Do somatic symptoms relate to PTSD and gender after earthquake exposure? A cross-sectional study on young adult survivors in Italy

• DOI: 10.1017/s1092852920000097
• Publication Date: 2020-04-06T04:19:24Z
• Authors: Claudia Carmassi; Valerio Dell’Oste; Filippo M. Barberi; Virginia Pedrinelli; Annalisa Cordone; Andrea Cappelli; Ivan M. Cremone; Rodolfo Rossi; Carlo A. Bertelloni; Liliana Dell’Osso
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective Increasing evidence confirms a strict relationship between mental disorders and physical health. Particularly, stressful life events post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been closely correlated with various somatic symptoms, such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, headaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the emergence symptoms in sample young adult survivors 21 months after exposure L’Aquila 2009 earthquake, particular attention PTSD gender impact. Methods Four hundred fifty high-school senior students (253 male 197 female) exposed earlier, were enrolled evaluated by Trauma Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR), for symptomatological PTSD, Mood Self-Report-Lifetime Version (MOODS-SR) “ rhythmicity vegetative functions ” domain, symptoms. Results Significantly higher rates endorsement MOODS-SR emerged compared those without. Females reported at least one symptom males; however, Decision Tree model two-way analysis variance confirmed significant effect only. A multivariate logistical regression showed association presence MOOD-SR re-experiencing maladaptive coping TALS-SR domains. Conclusion This corroborates relevant impact across both genders, on occurring adults from massive earthquake.