Incidence and Psychophysiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Breast Cancer Victims and Witnesses
Abstract
The objectives are: (a) to evaluate the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in breast cancer patients and "witnesses" (i.e., significant others), and (b) to validate interview-based diagnoses by measuring physiologic responses during script-driven imagery of patients' and witnesses' personal experiences with breast cancer. The rates of lifetime PTSD observed for the breast patients (26%) and witnesses (24%) are concordant with the rates of PTSD from other traumatic events. However, the percentages of lifetime PTSD cases that are current among the patients (35%) and witnesses (33%) are lower than seen with other traumatic events. These data suggest that breast cancer can lead to PTSD in patients and witnesses, but these PTSD patients are more likely to recover from their PTSD than other traumatized persons. Preliminary statistical analyses support the hypothesis that physiologic responses during personal imagery of breast-cancer-related experiences are greater in breast cancer witnesses with PTSD than in breast cancer witnesses who never had PTSD. A one-year no-cost extension has been granted for further analyses of the data and the preparation of publications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADB249596
Entities
People
- Roger K. Pitman
Organizations
- Harvard College