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Trauma-related altered states of consciousness in women with BPD with or without co-occurring PTSD

Paul Frewen, Nikolaus Kleindienst, Ruth A. Lanius, C. Schmahl

European Journal of Psychotraumatology August 18, 2014 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v5.24863 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Observational cohort Peer reviewed
Sample size 258
Population Persons with borderline personality disorder with and without posttraumatic stress disorder
Topics Altered states of consciousness PTSD
Key findings Trauma-related altered states of consciousness were less frequent than normal waking consciousness symptoms and more strongly correlated with dissociative experiences and childhood emotional neglect, especially in persons with both BPD and PTSD.

Abstract

Background: A “4-D model” was recently described as a theoretical framework for categorizing trauma-related symptoms into four phenomenological dimensions (the experience of time, thought, body, and emotion) that can present either in the form of normal waking consciousness (NWC) or as dissociative experiences, that is, trauma-related altered states of consciousness (TRASC).

Methods: The present study examined the predictions of the 4-D model in 258 persons with borderline personality disorder (BPD) with (n=126) versus without (n=132) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Results: As measured by the Borderline Symptom List, consistent with the predictions of the 4-D model, in comparison with symptom endorsements theorized to be associated with NWC, measures of TRASC were less frequent, and more strongly correlated with both Dissociative Experience Scale scores and severity of childhood emotional neglect, particularly in persons with both BPD and PTSD. Our prediction that symptoms of TRASC would be less intercorrelated in comparison with distress associated with NWC symptoms, however, was not supported.

Conclusions: Findings are discussed as they pertain to the symptomatology of BPD, PTSD, and dissociation.

Comparable studies

Other observational and cohort studies on PTSD, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Using Low Doses in a Small Sample of Women with Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Women with chronic PTSD secondary to sexual assault 2008 Observational cohort n = 6
An Ambulatory Polysomnography Study of the Post-traumatic Nightmares of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment-seeking veterans, current serving military members, and emergency service... 2017 Observational study using ambulatory polysomnography n = 35
Increased Mastery Elements Associated With Imagery Rehearsal Treatment for Nightmares in Sexual Assault Survivors With PTSD. Female sexual assault survivors with chronic nightmares 2004 Observational cohort n = 44
Posttraumatic stress symptoms following near-death experiences. Persons who report near-death experiences and those who came close to death without NDEs 2001 Observational study
Impact of oral ketamine augmentation on hospital admissions in treatment-resistant depression and PTSD: a retrospective study. Outpatients with treatment-resistant depression and PTSD 2018 Retrospective review n = 37

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Altered states of consciousness PTSD Philosophy of mind