14
Views
14
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original

Gender differences in the relationship between acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder following motor vehicle accidents

&
Pages 226-229 | Received 26 Apr 2002, Accepted 09 Oct 2002, Published online: 07 Aug 2009
 

Abstract

Objective: Acute stress disorder (ASD) describes initial posttraumatic stress reactions that purportedly predict subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to index the influence of gender on the relationship between ASD and PTSD.

Method: Motor vehicle accident survivors were assessed for ASD within 1-month posttrauma (n = 171) and were subsequently assessed for PTSD 6-months later (n = 134).

Results: Acute stress disorder was diagnosed in 8% of males and 23% of females, and PTSD was diagnosed in 15% of males and 38% of females. In terms of patients followed up at 6 months, 57% and 92% of males and females, respectively, who met criteria for ASD were diagnosed with PTSD. Females displayed significantly more peritraumatic dissociation than males.

Conclusion: Peritraumatic dissociation and ASD is a more accurate predictor of PTSD in females than males. This gender difference may be explained in terms of response bias or biological differences in trauma response between males and females.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.