Lay Summary

We assessed the association between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (cPTSD), and different substance and behavioral addictions in a sample of 1010 high school students. We found that PTSD was associated with alcohol use and problematic use of internet (PIU), while cPTSD was associated with cannabis abuse and PIU. Differentiating potential complications of PTSD and cPTSD might be important in order to develop more circumscribed and well directed early clinical interventions.

Background

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with behavioral and substance addictions. While this association is well established, little is known about the association between addictions and complex PTSD (cPTSD) in late-adolescence. The present study aims to investigate the association between PTSD and cPTSD, and different substance and behavioral addictions.

Methods

1010 high school students (mean age=18.7, SD=0.65) completed a set of questionnaires, assessing cannabis, alcohol, problematic internet use (PIU) and gambling, and the presence of PTSD or cPTSD symtoms (International Trauma Questionnaire - ITQ). The association between PTSD and cPTSD symptoms, and four different outcomes (cannabis, alcohol, PIU and gambling) was analyzed by means of logistic regression.

Results

PTSD symptoms are associated with alcohol use (OR=1.59 [1.03,2.46]) and PIU (OR=1.92 [1.18,3.13]). cPTSD symptoms are associated with cannabis abuse and PIU (OR=5.13 [2.71,9.70]).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that post-traumatic symptoms may represent a risk factor for substance use and behavioral addictions, with partially differentiated patterns between PTSD and cPTSD. Based on the evidenced associations, we highlight the importance of wide psychopathological screenings, also in order to develop more circumscribed and well directed early clinical interventions. Finally, these results shed light on the addictions as potential complications of PTSD and cPTSD.