PTSD in heart transplant recipients and their primary family caregivers

Psychosomatics. 1999 May-Jun;40(3):212-21. doi: 10.1016/s0033-3182(99)71237-5.

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder associated with transplantation (PTSD-T) is a complication for some heart transplant recipients. By using a structured, standardized interview and DSM-III-R criteria, the authors examined whether recipients (n = 158) and their family caregivers (n = 142) showed similar PTSD-T rates and clinical characteristics during the first year posttransplant. Among the recipients, 10.5% met full criteria for the disorder and an additional 5% were probable cases. Among the caregivers, 7.7% met full criteria and an additional 11.0% were probable cases. Severity and duration of disorder were similar across the groups. Being female, having a history of psychiatric illness, and having lower friend support were increased risks for PTSD-T.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Heart Transplantation / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Pennsylvania / epidemiology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / etiology