Sensory modulation difficulties and PTSD: A prospective study during and after rocket attacks

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Sensory Processing

Background:

• Civilians in war zones experience distress during and after traumatic events, potentially developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Early trauma-related symptoms are linked to PTSD development, and sensory responsiveness difficulties may increase PTSD risk.
• Previous research lacked clarity on the directionality between sensory modulation and PTSD, and the mediating role of early trauma symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prospective relationship between sensory modulation, early trauma-related symptoms, and PTSD in adults during wartime.
• To determine if early trauma-related symptoms mediate the association between sensory responsiveness and PTSD symptom clusters.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 209 Israeli adults assessed during rocket attacks (T1) and 40-71 days post-ceasefire (T2).
• Self-report measures assessed background variables, sensory modulation difficulties, early trauma-related symptoms, and PTSD symptoms.
• Statistical analyses explored the predictive and mediating roles of sensory responsiveness and early trauma symptoms.

Main Results:

• High sensory responsiveness was associated with early trauma-related symptoms.
• High sensory responsiveness predicted PTSD symptoms, specifically hyperarousal, intrusion, and negative alterations in mood and cognitions.
• Early trauma-related symptomatology significantly mediated the relationship between high sensory responsiveness and PTSD symptoms of intrusion and negative alterations.

Conclusions:

• High sensory responsiveness is identified as a risk factor for developing PTSD.
• Early trauma-related symptomatology acts as a crucial mechanism linking sensory responsiveness to PTSD.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering sensory processing in understanding and potentially mitigating PTSD risk in trauma-exposed populations.