Influence of comorbid social anxiety disorder on symptomatology and social functioning in female military sexual trauma survivors with PTSD
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Gros, D. F., Taylor, D. L., Witcraft, S. M., Coyne, A. E., & Acierno, R. (2023). Influence of comorbid social anxiety disorder on symptomatology and social functioning in female military sexual trauma survivors with PTSD. Military Behavioral Health, 11(1-2), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2022.2151534
Abstract Created by REACH:
Military sexual trauma (MST) is any form of sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service. This study compared two groups of Veterans with MST: those with only posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; n = 82) and those with PTSD and comorbid social anxiety disorder (n = 30). Veterans reported on their PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, positive affect (i.e., feelings, emotions, moods), negative affect, and social functioning (e.g., relationship difficulties). Overall, Veterans with PTSD and comorbid social anxiety disorder had more severe mental health symptoms and poorer social functioning than Veterans with PTSD only.
Focus:
Trauma
Mental health
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Gros, Daniel F., Taylor, Danielle L., Witcraft, Sara M., Coyne, Alice E., Acierno, Ron
Abstract:
Military sexual trauma (MST) is a common experience in veterans and associated with numerous negative outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diagnostic comorbidity, and impairments in multiple domains, including social functioning. Comorbid social anxiety disorder (SOC) may represent a particularly challenging presentation due to added difficulties with social functioning and treatment response. The present study investigated severity, emotion regulation, and perceived support and functioning of comorbid SOC in female MST survivors with PTSD. Participants were recruited for a randomized clinical trial that compared telehealth and in-person delivery of evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD. Of the 112 participants with PTSD, 30 participants (27%) also met criteria for comorbid SOC on a diagnostic interview. Participants with comorbid PTSD-SOC endorsed poorer emotion regulation, less positive affect, and greater negative affect compared to participants with PTSD without SOC comorbidity. Participants with comorbid PTSD-SOC also were less likely to be involved in a romantic relationship and evidenced increased difficulties in sharing thoughts and feelings with family members and friends. Together, these findings suggest that SOC comorbidity in patients with MST-related PTSD is associated with increased impairments in emotion regulation and social functioning.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
comorbidity, emotion regulation, military sexual trauma, negative affect, positive affect, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, social functioning, social support, Veterans
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: