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Trauma Exposure in Anxious Primary Care Patients
J Bomyea1, A J Lang, D Golinelli
1SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, University of California, San Diego.
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
|June 5, 2013
Summary
Trauma exposure is common in primary care patients without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, trauma history did not affect anxiety treatment outcomes, suggesting effective care regardless of past trauma.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Primary Care Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Trauma exposure is prevalent in primary care settings.
- Understanding its impact on patients without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is crucial.
- Investigating clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trauma exposure rates in primary care patients without PTSD.
- To identify clinical characteristics associated with trauma exposure.
- To determine the effect of trauma exposure on treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 1263 primary care patients without PTSD were assessed for trauma exposure.
- Demographic information, baseline diagnoses, and symptom severity were compared between trauma-exposed and non-exposed groups.
- Treatment response was evaluated six months after initiating treatment.
Main Results:
- 53% of patients reported trauma exposure.
- Trauma-exposed individuals were more likely to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and higher somatic symptoms.
- No significant differences were found in baseline anxiety, depression, or mental health functioning.
- Trauma exposure did not significantly impact treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Trauma exposure in primary care patients without PTSD is linked to OCD and somatic symptoms.
- Treatment for presenting anxiety disorders appears effective regardless of trauma history.
- Primary care interventions can be successful even with a history of trauma.
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