The association between traumatic experiences and substance and behavioral addictions in late adolescence: A role for PTSD and cPTSD as potential mediators

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.023
• Publication Date: 2023-10-21T19:50:01Z
• Authors: Rodolfo Rossi; Flaminia Reda; Isabella Federico; Tommaso B. Jannini; Valentina Socci; Giulia D'Aurizio; Mauro Pettorruso; Francesca Pacitti; Alessandro Rossi; Giovanni Martinotti; Giorgio Di Lorenzo
• Keywords: Association (psychology)

Traumatic experiences (TEs) are a risk factor for behavioral and substance addictions (SBAs). However, the role of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) complex PTSD (cPTSD) deserves further elucidation. The present study assesses association between different types TEs on cannabis, alcohol, gambling, problematic internet use in late adolescents. Furthermore, this aims at evaluating cPTSD as potential mediators. An observational cross-sectional was conducted one thousand ten adolescents (510 males, 498 females; age: mean = 18.7, SD 0.65). Data regarding intentional (iTEs) unintentional (uTEs), gambling (PIU), PTSD, were collected. Association TEs, SBAs, PTSD/cPTSD symptoms explored by means logistic regressions. Mediation assessed using path analysis. uTEs associated with cannabis (OR 1.34 [1.13,1.59]) alcohol 1.21 [1.10,1.35]), iTEs 1.15 [1.06,1.25]), 1.08 [1.02,1.13]), PIU 1.17 [1.10,1.24]). 1.59 [1.03,2.46]) 1.92 [1.18,3.13]). 3.54 [1.56,8.04]) 5.13 [2.71,9.70]). mediated 58.75% total effect cannabis. Regarding PIU, 68.18% uTEs; 65.5% via 34.45% PTSD. SBAs show pattern association. A thorough assessment stress-related conditions, including cPTSD, is pivotal importance treating SBAs.