Heterogeneity in the course of posttraumatic stress disorder: trajectories of symptomatology

Abstract

Unconditional and conditional trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology were examined using a sample of U.S. soldiers deployed on a NATO-led peacekeeping mission to Kosovo. Data were collected at 4 time points, ranging from the weeks leading up to deployment to 9-months post deployment. Latent class growth analysis revealed 4 unique symptom trajectories: resilience, recovery, delayed, and unrealized anxiety. Variables identified as significant predictors of trajectory class included previous traumatic events, combat exposure, peacekeeping daily hassles, depression, alcohol use, aggressive behavior, stress reactivity, and military rank. Results from this study add to the literature detailing the variability in PTSD course, as well as to the literature pertaining to predictors of PTSD onset and course.