Psychological trauma : from concept to physiological markers

Abstract

Stress and Psychological Trauma are umbrella-like concepts that harbor several characteristics and consequences. Given the complexity of both phenomena there is still no consensus on their definitions and operationalization. Thus, a better understanding of their concepts and markers is important. Two phenomena are dependent on these concepts, Child Maltreatment and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The former can occur in the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and neglect, and generates important physiological and psychological consequences that reverberate throughout life. PTSD is a mental disorder derived from the inability to recover from a traumatic event. Its characteristics are the reliving of trauma, avoidance of situations that reminisce the event or provoke anxiety, negative changes in cognitions and mood, and increased excitability. PTSD also has important physiological consequences. Both phenomena especially affect the Autonomic Nervous System. These changes can be measured through Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability. Although higher HR and lower HRV are known to be associated with health and stress impairment, there is no consensus on the psychophysiological markers of childhood maltreatment or psychological trauma. Thus, the objective of the present study is to investigate the conceptual distinctions of the Psychological Trauma and psychophysiological makers of child maltreatment and PTSD. This thesis is composed of (1) an introduction to the main concepts used in the development of this research; (2) a theoretical review on the conceptual foundations of Psychological Trauma; (3) an empirical section on the consequences in adulthood of child maltreatment in physiology, personality and symptomatology; (4) a second empirical session on biological markers in the psychophysiology of patients with PTSD. The results indicate that both the experience of childhood adversities and the development of PTSD in adulthood have different physiological consequences from other mental disorders and experiences. In those who were exposed to stressors in childhood it was possible to detect a lower heart rate variability, as well as a greater propensity to the personality trait of neuroticism and psychiatric symptomatology. When comparing participants with and without the diagnosis of PTSD, significant differences were found in heart rate variability, with the first with the lowest index. These data indicate a biological vulnerability associated with the presence of early stressors and PTSD.