Psychiatry Investig.  2017 Jan;14(1):1-7. 10.4306/pi.2017.14.1.1.

Comparisons of Subthreshold Versus Full Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Distinguished by Subjective Functional Impairment Among Train Drivers: A Population-Based Nationwide Study in South Korea

• Baek JH
• Kim JH
• Kim BN
• Park SJ
• Fava M
• Mischoulon D
• Lee D
• Jeon HJ

• KMID: 2365005
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2017.14.1.1

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (SPTSD), a condition that meets the full symptomatic criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without subjective functional impairment, has yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of SPTSD.
METHODS
The web-based survey including psychiatric diagnosis and experience of human error was conducted in actively working train drivers in South Korea.
RESULTS
Of the 4,634 subjects, 103 (2.23%) were categorized as full PTSD and 322 (6.96%) were categorized as having SPTSD. Individuals with full PTSD showed higher impulsivity and anxiety compared to those with SPTSD and those without PTSD, while those with SPTSD had more frequent clinically meaningful depression, posttraumatic stress, and alcohol and nicotine dependence and significant human error.
CONCLUSION
Despite not qualifying as a subjective functional disability, SPTSD still had significant psychiatric symptoms. More clinical attentions need to be given to the diagnosis and treatment of SPTSD.

Keyword

PTSD; Subthreshold; Human error; Train driver

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Attention
Depression
Diagnosis
Humans
Impulsive Behavior
Korea*
Mental Disorders
Prevalence
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic*
Tobacco Use Disorder