Functional impairment and utilization of services associated with posttraumatic stress in the community
Corresponding Author
Lisa Amaya-Jackson
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Box 3613, Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27707Search for more papers by this authorJonathan R. Davidson
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorDana C. Hughes
Genetic Research, Intermountain Health Care—LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
Search for more papers by this authorMarvin Swartz
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorVictoria Reynolds
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorLinda K. George
Department of Sociology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorDan G. Blazer
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Lisa Amaya-Jackson
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Box 3613, Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27707Search for more papers by this authorJonathan R. Davidson
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorDana C. Hughes
Genetic Research, Intermountain Health Care—LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109
Search for more papers by this authorMarvin Swartz
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorVictoria Reynolds
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorLinda K. George
Department of Sociology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorDan G. Blazer
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27707
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
This study describes social functioning and service utilization patterns associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms relative to nonpsychiatric controls and depressive disorder controls in a cross-sectional epidemiological survey. Data from 49 cases and 147 controls who participated in the North Carolina component of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area study were examined. Results indicate that symptoms of posttraumatic stress were associated with impairment along several domains of functioning: social, financial, physical, and psychological. Individuals with posttraumatic stress were found to have more socioeconomic disadvantages and impaired functioning. Despite this, individuals with posttraumatic stress are receiving relatively few mental health services. Further research assessing service use, treatment, and functional outcomes are indicated.
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