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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

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.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Paper
  • Pages 1-9
  • DOI 10.1007/s00127-012-0537-2
  • Authors
    • Ananda B. Amstadter, 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
    • Steven H. Aggen, 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
    • Gun Peggy Knudsen, Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
    • Ted Reichborn-Kjennerud, Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
    • Kenneth S. Kendler, 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