Citation

Glad KA, Jensen TK, Hafstad GS, Dyb G. J. Trauma Dissociation 2015; 17(4): 435-447.

Affiliation

Faculty of Medicine , University of Oslo, Institute of Clinical Medicine.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15299732.2015.1126777

PMID

26683703

Abstract

The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to systematically describe the type and frequency of trauma reminders reported after a terrorist attack; and (2) to examine whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with frequency of exposure to trauma reminders. 285 survivors (M age = 22.2, SD = 4.3, 53 % males) of the 2011 massacre on Utøya Island, Norway, were interviewed face-to-face 14-15 months post-terror. Participants were asked how often they had experienced a range of different trauma reminders in the past month and which was most distressing. Current post-traumatic stress reactions were measured using the University of California at Los Angeles PTSD Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI). 33.3 % of the survivors reported having experienced one or more trauma reminders often/very often in the past month. Auditory reminders were most frequently encountered and were reported to be the most distressing, especially sudden and sharp noises. Meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD was significantly associated with frequency of exposure to trauma reminders. The findings suggest that trauma reminders are common among survivors of a terrorist attack almost 1.5 year post-trauma, and that PTSD is strongly related to frequency of exposure to reminders. It is important that clinicians are aware of the significant role trauma reminders may play in maintaining PTSD, and help trauma survivors recognize and manage reminders.

Language: en