A longitudinal analysis of alcohol consumption and the risk of posttraumatic symptoms

Abstract

Background: Previous studies investigating the impact of alcohol ingestion on the emergence of posttraumatic psychological symptoms have generated contradictory findings. Methods: One thousand forty-five patients, admitted to hospital following traumatic injury were assessed during hospitalisation for patterns of alcohol consumption prior to the injury and also during the month prior to reassessment at 3 months. Anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were assessed post accident and at 3 months. In a sub sample (n = 167), blood alcohol levels were measured at the time of admission to emergency departments. Results: Moderate alcohol consumption prior to and following the ..