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Potentially traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and Axis I and II comorbidity in a population-based study of Norwegian young adults

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Abstract

Purpose

Epidemiologic research on traumatic stress is limited in Norway. Prevalence and correlates of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and patterns of comorbidity with DSM-IV Axis I and II disorders were examined in an epidemiologic sample.

Methods

Demographics, PTEs and resulting PTSD, and comorbid DSM-IV diagnoses were assessed in 2,794 members of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel. The sample comprised 37 % male, with an average age of 28.2 years (SD = 3.9).

Results

Approximately, one-quarter of participants had lifetime PTE exposure; most PTEs were more common in men than in women. Lifetime prevalence of PTSD was 2.6 %, and was significantly more common in women than men. Being female and type of PTE (both interpersonal and accidental traumatic events) were associated with increased PTSD symptoms, whereas higher education was associated with lower symptoms. PTSD was related to increased odds of most Axis I and II conditions.

Conclusions

PTE exposure and PTSD prevalence were lower than in the USA, but comparable to other European countries. Sex differences replicated previous research. The relationship between PTSD and borderline personality disorder was significantly stronger than the relationship between PTSD and any other Axis II conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, PO Box 980126, Richmond, VA, 23298-0126, USA

    Ananda B. Amstadter, Steven H. Aggen & Kenneth S. Kendler

  2. Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Gun Peggy Knudsen & Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud

  3. The Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud

  4. Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    Kenneth S. Kendler

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  1. Ananda B. Amstadter
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  2. Steven H. Aggen
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  3. Gun Peggy Knudsen
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  4. Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud
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  5. Kenneth S. Kendler
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Correspondence to Ananda B. Amstadter.

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Amstadter, A.B., Aggen, S.H., Knudsen, G.P. et al. Potentially traumatic event exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder, and Axis I and II comorbidity in a population-based study of Norwegian young adults. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 48, 215–223 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0537-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0537-2

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