The course of PTSD symptoms among Gulf War veterans: a growth mixture modeling approach

J Trauma Stress. 2004 Jun;17(3):195-202. doi: 10.1023/B:JOTS.0000029262.42865.c2.

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the course of PTSD symptoms over time following trauma exposure. Accordingly, this study utilized a specialized structural equation modeling approach, growth mixture modeling, to examine the trajectory of PTSD symptoms across three time points in a sample of Gulf War veterans (n at Time 1 = 2,949, n at Time 2 = 2,313, and n at Time 3 = 1,327). Results were most consistent with a two-group model suggesting that the course of PTSD symptoms following the Gulf War was best characterized by two distinct growth curves: (1) low levels of PTSD symptoms with little increase over time and (2) higher levels of initial symptoms with a significant increase over time. Thus, it appears that response to Gulf War experiences is not homogeneous, and that a subset of individuals may experience relatively more PTSD symptoms over time. In addition, men, Whites, those reporting more education, and those reporting less combat exposure had a significantly higher probability of being classified into the less symptomatic group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Persian Gulf Syndrome / psychology
  • Sex Factors
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • White People / psychology