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Risk factors for complex posttraumatic stress disorder in UK police.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|August 20, 2021
Summary
Police officers face high risks for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Occupational factors like work stress and low manager support significantly increase C-PTSD risk, highlighting the need for improved work environments.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Occupational Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Police officers frequently encounter traumatic events, elevating their risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD).
- Existing research on C-PTSD in police personnel is limited, especially concerning occupational risk factors for trauma symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of PTSD and C-PTSD among UK police officers.
- To identify occupational, clinical, and lifestyle risk factors associated with PTSD and C-PTSD in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilized psychological health surveillance data from 2444 UK police officers.
- The International Trauma Questionnaire screened for PTSD and C-PTSD.
- Data included occupational, clinical, and lifestyle factors, with a focus on officers from high-risk areas or those referred for psychological distress.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 3% for PTSD and 2% for C-PTSD was observed in officers from high-risk work areas.
- Increased work stress and reduced manager support were linked to higher odds of C-PTSD, but not PTSD.
- A personal trauma history equally elevated the risk for both PTSD and C-PTSD.
Conclusions:
- Work-related occupational factors are significant contributors to PTSD and C-PTSD development in police officers.
- Improving the police work environment is crucial for mitigating trauma symptoms and enhancing psychological well-being.
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