Stress reactivity during short trauma narratives in adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD

Abstract

Background: Psychophysiological dysregulations and negative alterations in cognitions and mood characterize post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD), contributing to an increased risk of disorder persistence and chronic health problems. However, understanding the differences in physiological stress reactivity and negative cognitive-emotional patterns between adolescents with PTSD and C-PTSD remains a notable research gap. Objective: This study examined group differences in autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity during the sharing of a short trauma narrative, including resting and recovery phases, and compared subjective experiences of stress, shame, and guilt among adolescents with PTSD, C-PTSD, and trauma-exposed controls. Methods: In a repeated-measures design, 52 adolescents (14–18 years) with PTSD (n = 17), C-PTSD (n = 18), and a control group (n = 17) were assessed for heart rate, heart rate variability, and subjective experiences of stress, shame, and guilt during a standardized trauma interview, as well as during baseline and recovery phases. Results: Linear mixed-effects models revealed a significant interaction between group and time point (F = 4.134, p