Knowledge of sex differences in risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can contribute to the development of refined preventive interventions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine if women and men differ in their vulnerability to risk factors for PTSD.

As part of the longitudinal AURORA study, 2924 patients seeking emergency department (ED) treatment in the acute aftermath of trauma provided self-report assessments of pre- peri- and post-traumatic risk factors, as well as 3-month PTSD severity. We systematically examined sex-dependent effects of 16 risk factors that have previously been hypothesized to show different associations with PTSD severity in women and men.

Women reported higher PTSD severity at 3-months post-trauma. Z-score comparisons indicated that for five of the 16 examined risk factors the association with 3-month PTSD severity was stronger in men than in women. In multivariable models, interaction effects with sex were observed for pre-traumatic anxiety symptoms, and acute dissociative symptoms; both showed stronger associations with PTSD in men than in women. Subgroup analyses suggested trauma type-conditional effects.

Our findings indicate mechanisms to which men might be particularly vulnerable, demonstrating that known PTSD risk factors might behave differently in women and men. Analyses did not identify any risk factors to which women were more vulnerable than men, pointing toward further mechanisms to explain women's higher PTSD risk. Our study illustrates the need for a more systematic examination of sex differences in contributors to PTSD severity after trauma, which may inform refined preventive interventions.

Moral injury exposure (MIE) and distress (MID) may indirectly affect the relationship between trauma exposure and alterations in autonomic regulation [assessed via high-frequency heart rate variability (hfHRV)] in civilians, but this has not been tested in prior research. We conducted two exploratory studies to examine trauma types' associations with MIE and MID among civilian medical patients (Study 1) and explore how these facets may indirectly affect the relationship between trauma type and hfHRV among civilians seeking mental health services (Study 2).

Participants recruited from a public hospital and/or community advertisements (Study 1, n = 72, 87.5% Black, 83.3% women; Study 2, n = 46, 71.7% Black, 97.8% women) completed measures assessing trauma type, MIE, and MID. In Study 1, trauma types that emerged as significant correlates of MIE and MID were entered into separate linear regression analyses. Trauma types identified were included as predictors in indirect effects models with MIE or MID as the mediator and resting hfHRV (assayed via electrocardiography) as the outcome.

Childhood sexual abuse emerged as the only significant predictor of MIE, b = 0.38, p < 0.001; childhood sexual abuse, b = 0.26, p < 0.05, and adulthood sexual assault, b = 0.23, p < 0.05 were significant predictors of MID. Participants with greater MIE and MID demonstrated lower hfHRV. Adulthood sexual assault showed an indirect effect on hfHRV through MID, B = −0.10, s.e. = 0.06, 95%CI (−0.232 to −0.005).

Moral injury was uniquely associated with sexual violence and lower hfHRV in civilians. Data highlight moral injury as a pathway through which autonomic dysregulation may emerge and its salience for trauma treatment selection.

Psychological resilience – positive psychological adaptation in the context of adversity – is defined and measured in multiple ways across disciplines. However, little is known about whether definitions capture the same underlying construct and/or share similar correlates. This study examined the congruence of different resilience measures and associations with sociodemographic factors and body mass index (BMI), a key health indicator.

In a cross-sectional sample of 1429 African American adults exposed to child maltreatment, we derived four resilience measures: a self-report scale assessing resiliency (perceived trait resilience); a binary variable defining resilience as low depression and posttraumatic stress (absence of distress); a binary variable defining resilience as low distress and high positive affect (absence of distress plus positive functioning); and a continuous variable reflecting individuals' deviation from distress levels predicted by maltreatment severity (relative resilience). Associations between resilience measures, sociodemographic factors, and BMI were assessed using correlations and regressions.

Resilience measures were weakly-to-moderately correlated (0.27–0.69), though similarly patterned across sociodemographic factors. Women showed higher relative resilience, but lower perceived trait resilience than men. Only measures incorporating positive affect or resiliency perceptions were associated with BMI: individuals classified as resilient by absence of distress plus positive functioning had lower BMI than non-resilient (β = −2.10, p = 0.026), as did those with higher perceived trait resilience (β = −0.63, p = 0.046).

Relatively low congruence between resilience measures suggests studies will yield divergent findings about predictors, prevalence, and consequences of resilience. Efforts to clearly define resilience are needed to better understand resilience and inform intervention and prevention efforts.

Cognitive impairment impacts on patient outcomes [1] but is under-recognised in acute hospitals [2]. Data on rates and degree of impairment among hospital inpatients remain sparse. This information is vital for strategic planning of health services as the European population ages.

To examine the rates and degree of cognitive impairment among patients aged 65 and older who were admitted to an acute general hospital and to assess its impact on patient outcomes.

All patients aged over 65 who were admitted over a 2-week period were invited to participate. Those who met the inclusion criteria were screened for delirium then underwent a cognitive screening battery. Normative values for age and level of education were obtained from the TILDA study [3]. Demographic and outcome data were obtained from medical records.

One hundred and forty-eight patients underwent cognitive screening. Thirty-nine over 148 (26%) met the DSM-IV criteria for dementia of whom only 16 (41%) had a previously-documented impairment. Thirty over 148 (20%) had evidence of cognitive impairment that did not meet criteria for dementia, only 3 (10%) of whom were previously documented. Seventy-three over 148 (49%) were normal. Six over 148 (4%) were not classifiable. The impact of cognitive status on length of hospital stay, number of readmissions in 6 months and discharge destination was investigated. Impact on length of stay was significant (P = 0.017) but significance was not achieved against number of readmissions or discharge destination.

Cognitive impairment is pervasive and under-recognised in the acute hospital and impacts on length of hospital stay. Longer interval analysis is necessary to investigate further implications.

References 1–3 available upon request.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Psychotic symptoms arise commonly in the context of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in the elderly. While non-pharmacological interventions are preferable to manage such symptoms, antipsychotic medications are frequently used. This is largely unlicensed and associated with significant risks, particularly in dementia (1).

To examine antipsychotic prescribing practices in SJH.

On 23rd February 2016 all inpatients aged over 65 who were prescribed antipsychotic medications were identified. Demographic and medical data were collected from medical and electronic notes and medication kardexes.

Complete data were available for 53 of 59 identified cases. The cohort had a mean age of 80 (range 65–99) and 62% were male. Seventy-four percent (n = 39) had documented cognitive impairment or dementia. Fifty-eight percent (n = 31) were newly prescribed an antipsychotic following admission. The commonest indications for antipsychotics were: delirium (53%) and BPSD (25%). Haloperidol (56%), quetiapine (19%) and risperidone (8%) were prescribed most frequently. Non-pharmacological interventions were documented in 50% however in many cases it is not clear what these interventions were. Antipsychotic use was discussed with patients and/or next of kin in less than 25% of cases. Adverse effects were noted in 6/36 (17%) with equal incidence of falls, EPSEs and ECG changes.

Positive and negative aspects of current antipsychotic prescribing practices are highlighted. Antipsychotics were prescribed for a small number of patients for appropriate indications. However, there was poor consideration of non-pharmacological interventions and a lack of consultation with the patient/NOK. This may reflect, in part, inadequate medical documentation. A guideline needs to specifically address these areas of concern to improve safety and promote best practice.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Antipsychotic medication use may be associated with prolongation of the QTc interval, increasing the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias [1]. This is particularly pertinent in the elderly due to comorbid cardiovascular disease and polypharmacy. Attention to the ECG and co-prescribed medications is essential to minimise cardiac risk when prescribing antipsychotics.

On 23rd February 2016 all inpatients aged over 65 who were prescribed antipsychotic medications were identified as part of a hospital-wide survey. Data was collected from medical and electronic patient notes and medication kardexes.

Complete data was obtained for 36 patients aged over 65 who were newly-prescribed an antipsychotic or had their antipsychotic changed. Of these, 39%(n = 13) had a cardiac history. One quarter did not have an ECG in the 12 months preceding antipsychotic initiation. Of the 28 patients with an ECG, 57% (n = 16) had a QTc > 450ms before starting antipsychotic treatment. Only 11% (n = 4) had an ECG within 24 hours of starting the antipsychotic. The average change of the QTc interval in those with a repeat ECG was 30msecs. 42% (n = 15) were co-prescribed another QTc-prolonging medication.

Current monitoring of QTc interval in an elderly population newly prescribed antipsychotic medications is inadequate and a cause for significant safety concerns. Education and clear guidance is warranted to improve safety and minimise risk in this population.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The existence of a frontotemporal dementia phenocopy (phFTD) syndrome remains controversial. Opinions differ on whether the phenocopy presentation represents the neuropsychological manifestation of a mid-life decompensation in vulnerable pre-morbid personalities or an indolent prodrome of behavioral-variant FTD (bvFTD). Literature on this topic is sparse and clinicians and patients have little guidance around prognosis and management.

To describe the demographic, neuropsychological and biomarker profiles of a case series of phFTD patients, attending the memory clinic and review relevant literature.

Retrospective review of all cases diagnosed with phFTD.

Eleven cases were identified (male = 9, female = 2). Mean age 55.8 years. Subjective complaints comprised memory and language difficulties. Collateral reports described apathy, aggression, impulsivity, disinhibition, hyperorality. Function was relatively preserved though motivation or supervision for higher-level tasks was sometimes required. All had non-neurodegenerative MRI and PET scans. Neuropsychological test (NPT) findings predominantly showed executive dysfunction and fluency impairment. A total of 3/11 had non-amnestic memory impairment. Follow-up imaging and NPT were invariably unchanged; 1/11 had a pre-morbid psychiatric diagnosis; 5/11 had unusual personality traits pre-morbidly. Major psychosocial stressors were documented in 7/11. Management consisted of psychosocial interventions to support function and interpersonal relationships.

The literature describes the phFTD syndrome as predominantly affecting males though we include 2 females who meet the criteria. In keeping with our findings, personality traits and psychosocial stressors may be more common in phFTD than bvFTD. More severe symptoms, memory impairment at presentation and C9ORF72 gene mutation may predict eventual progression. Those who do not progress have minimal long-term functional impairment though behavioral symptoms persist.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

To examine the associations between overall diet quality and hearing function among middle–older aged adults in the USA.

Cross-sectional analysis. Diet quality was examined using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), using data from a single 24 h dietary recall. Hearing function was objectively measured by audiometry assessments and hearing loss, including high- and low-frequency hearing loss, was defined as pure-tone averages at specific ranges of hearing frequencies >25 dB. Weighted logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of MDS (scored 0–9, categorized at the median as ≤3 or >3) with hearing loss and high- and low-frequency hearing loss.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2000–2006 and 2009–2012.

Adults aged ≥50 years (n 1639) with valid dietary and audiometry assessments.

After adjusting for potential confounders, a non-significant trend for a protective association of higher MDS was observed for hearing loss (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI 0·49, 1·23). A significant inverse association was observed for high-frequency hearing loss (OR = 0·64; 95 % CI 0·43, 0·95). No association was found for low-frequency hearing loss among women; however, higher MDS was significantly associated with higher odds of low-frequency hearing loss among men (OR = 2·63; 95 % CI 1·39, 4·95).

Among middle–older aged adults, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet was inversely associated with hearing loss, including those at high hearing frequencies, among older adults. However, a detrimental association was observed at low hearing frequencies among men. Future investigations with a longitudinal design are needed to clarify the associations between diet quality and hearing loss.