Trajectories of daily PTSD symptoms in recent traumatic injury victims.

OBJECTIVE

Prior research has identified different PTSD symptom (PTSS) trajectories over months and years posttrauma that warrant different levels of clinical attention. Earlier identification of at-risk trauma victims can facilitate efficient and appropriate intervention efforts.

METHOD: Using latent class growth analysis, we examined daily PTSS trajectories beginning 6 weeks postinjury in 68 injury victims. Resulting classes were compared on key characteristics at 6 and 21 weeks postinjury.

RESULTS

Three trajectories were identified: a nonreactive class (67.8%) with low initial symptom levels that remained low, a moderate-stable class (27.9%) with elevated symptom levels that remained constant, and a severe-increasing class (4.4%) with high symptom levels that increased.

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk injury victims can be identified by their daily PTSS, allowing for early identification of those at risk for elevated distress and in greater need for intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record