Externalizing and internalizing subtypes of posttraumatic psychopathology and anger expression

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Veterans' Health

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent condition, particularly among veterans.
• Understanding subtypes of psychopathology associated with PTSD is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Previous research suggests internalizing and externalizing dimensions of psychopathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate and extend the identification of posttraumatic psychopathology subtypes in female veterans with PTSD.
• To examine the distinctions between these subtypes regarding personality, anger expression, and hostility.
• To validate the internalizing/externalizing typology within this specific population.

Main Methods:

• Cluster analyses were performed on data from 254 female veterans with PTSD using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 and Personality Psychopathology Five scales.
• The Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI) was used as an independent measure to assess anger and hostility.
• Correlations were calculated between BDHI scales and PTSD symptom clusters, specifically "irritability and anger outbursts".

Main Results:

• Three distinct groups emerged: internalizing psychopathology, externalizing psychopathology, and simple PTSD (low psychopathology).
• Externalizers showed higher scores on antisocial, substance, and aggression scales; internalizers scored higher on depression and anxiety.
• Both externalizing and internalizing groups exhibited higher anger scores compared to the simple PTSD group, with specific anger expressions correlating with PTSD symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The internalizing/externalizing psychopathology typology is generalizable to female veterans with PTSD.
• Clinically significant distinctions in anger expression exist among PTSD subtypes.
• The symptom of "irritability and anger outbursts" demonstrates broad utility in PTSD diagnosis across different subtypes.