Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025

Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Associations of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters and Pain Interference in Post-9/11 Veterans: Exploring
Mariel Emrich1, Katherine E Gnall2, Camille L Garnsey2
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269-1020, USA. mariel.emrich@uconn.edu.
Background:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and pain are highly prevalent and comorbid, particularly in veterans, but mechanisms explaining their linkage remain unclear. The aims of this study were to determine: (1) whether sleep impairment and physical activity (PA) mediate relations between PTSD symptoms and pain interference (assessed both longitudinally and as residual change) and (2) the unique roles of each PTSD symptom cluster in those relationships.
Methods:
The present study is a secondary analysis of a longitudinal observational investigation of 673 post-9/11 veterans (45.8% women). Surveys were administered at baseline and 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.
Results:
PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with pain interference longitudinally and worsening pain interference over time. Sleep impairment, but not PA, significantly mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and subsequent pain interference. Hyperarousal symptoms were found to be the primary driver of the relationship between PTSD symptoms and pain interference and re-experiencing symptoms were associated with change in pain interference via sleep impairment. Men and women did not differ on any of the study variables with the exception of PA.
Conclusion:
Findings underscore the importance of targeting sleep as a key modifiable health factor linking PTSD symptoms to pain interference in post-9/11 veterans.
More Related Videos
08:25Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
10:43Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Primary Motives: Sleep, Sex, and Pain Avoidance
Sleep is a fundamental physiological drive that fosters a state of restfulness crucial for several bodily functions. It facilitates body restoration, the process by which the body repairs, rejuvenates, and maintains itself during sleep, including memory...
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Repressed Memory
Dissociative Identity Disorder