Alcohol Abuse in Subjects Developing or not Developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder after Trauma Exposure

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti‑Pescara, Chieti

2 Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti‑Pescara, Chieti, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, “A. Moro” University of Bari, Bari, Italy

10.4103/atr.atr_12_17

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The complex relation between trauma and alcohol abuse is still far to be recognized. Traumatic experiences
can prompt and facilitate an excessive use of alcohol. On the other hand, alcohol use may increase the possibility to be involved in traumatic
events or reduce post‑trauma resilience. This study aimed to explore alcohol use and abuse in a sample of traumatized participants, with or
without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Thirty‑five outpatients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‑IV‑TR) diagnosis of PTSD and 35 outpatients with trauma exposure who did not develop PTSD were
recruited. The clinical assessment of the participants comprised the following scales: The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‑IV, the
Clinician‑Administered PTSD Scale, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results: Correlation analysis conducted
on all participants showed a significant positive correlation between the AUDIT score and trauma load. When considering the two groups
separately, the same correlation reached statistical significance in the PTSD group only. Analysis of beta‑coefficients of regressions confirmed
a significant influence of trauma load on the AUDIT score. Conclusion: A greater use of alcohol significantly correlated with trauma load
only in the PTSD group. This data indicates that trauma itself is not sufficient to determine drinking problems, whereas PTSD symptoms may
lead to alcohol use. A circular relation, rather than a linear one, can therefore be considered when traumatic experiences and alcohol use are
taken into account. Specifically, traumatic experiences could cause the PTSD development, which could, in turn, lead to alcohol use or abuse
as a self‑medication. Such outcome could develop in alcohol use disorder that, circularly, enhances the risk of traumatic experiences. Hence,
in the clinical evaluation of PTSD patients, a deep investigation of drinking patterns is highly recommended.

Keywords

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 May 2017
  • Revise Date: 15 June 2017
  • Accept Date: 15 July 2017

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