Adolescents with (C-PTSD) showed a significantly higher heart rate during recovery compared to those with PTSD and trauma-exposed controls.
C-PTSD adolescents experienced greater subjective feelings of stress, guilt, and shame than those with PTSD or controls.
Linear mixed-effects models indicated a significant interaction between group and time point, suggesting different physiological responses.
Main effects showed that C-PTSD participants had elevated perceived stress, guilt, and shame across all assessed conditions.
Prolonged stress responses in C-PTSD adolescents align with diagnostic criteria related to affective dysregulation and negative self-concept.
Objective measures of stress during trauma interviews could aid in diagnosing C-PTSD.
Simplified
Psychophysiological dysregulations and negative alterations in cognitions and mood characterize post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and (C-PTSD), contributing to an increased risk of disorder persistence and chronic health problems. However, understanding the differences in physiological stress reactivity and negative cognitive-emotional patterns between adolescents with PTSD and C-PTSD remains a notable research gap.This study examined group differences in (ANS) reactivity during the sharing of a short trauma narrative, including resting and recovery phases, and compared subjective experiences of stress, shame, and guilt among adolescents with PTSD, C-PTSD, and trauma-exposed controls.In a repeated-measures design, 52 adolescents (14-18 years) with PTSD ( = 17), C-PTSD ( = 18), and a control group ( = 17) were assessed for heart rate, heart rate variability, and subjective experiences of stress, shame, and guilt during a standardized trauma interview, as well as during baseline and recovery phases.Linear mixed-effects models revealed a significant interaction between group and time point ( = 4.134, < .001). The C-PTSD group exhibited a significantly higher heart rate in the recovery phase compared to the PTSD ( = .010) and control groups ( = .036), alongside significantly higher subjective stress, guilt, and shame experiences. Main effects of group were identified for perceived stress ( = 7.543, = .002), guilt ( = 21.779, < .001), and shame ( = 19.309, < .001), with the C-PTSD group exhibiting higher levels compared to PTSD and control groups across all conditions.Prolonged stress responses and elevated experiences of shame and guilt in adolescents with C-PTSD align with the diagnostic criteria of affective dysregulation and negative self-concept. Objective stress measures during trauma interviews may support the diagnosis of C-PTSD. Findings highlight the importance of phase-based trauma therapies that target emotional dysregulation, shame, and guilt. Background: Objective: Methods: Results: Conclusions: n n n F p p p F p F p F p
Key numbers
C-PTSD 86 bpm vs. PTSD 77 bpm
Higher Heart Rate During Recovery
Heart rate during recovery phase for C-PTSD and PTSD groups.
C-PTSD 22.5 vs. PTSD 15.2
Increased Perceived Stress
Perceived stress levels during trauma narrative across groups.
C-PTSD 35.4 vs. PTSD 20.1
Elevated Guilt Levels
Perceived guilt levels during trauma narrative across groups.
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