New research from Tilburg University, Centerdata, the University of Twente, and the Victim Support Fund reveals that experiencing new traumas significantly hinders the recovery from existing anxiety and depressive complaints. It also shows that if recovery does not occur within a year, the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is substantially increased.
For some individuals with anxiety and depressive complaints, recovery occurs after a year, or the symptoms significantly decrease. However, the new research indicates that experiencing new traumatic events within this year significantly obstructs recovery or the reduction of symptoms. "Among people who do not experience new potentially traumatic events within a year, we see recovery or improvement in symptoms twice as often compared to those who do encounter new traumas," says lead researcher Peter van der Velden, endowed professor at Tranzo, the scientific center for care and welfare at Tilburg University.
No recovery within one year: increased risk of PTSD
The research also shows that when individuals experience new traumatic events and do not recover from their existing anxiety and depressive complaints-or when these symptoms do not decrease-the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is significantly increased. Approximately 24% of those who somewhat recover from existing anxiety and depressive complaints struggle with PTSD, while around 70% of those who do not recover have PTSD.
This recently published research is part of the multi-year VICTIMS-study (2018-2027). The study analyzed data from 6,942 adults, of whom 487 individuals (7%, nearly 1 in 14 people) had severe anxiety and depressive complaints during the first measurement. A year later, the second measurement took place. Of these 487 individuals, 162 had experienced a new traumatic event (physical violence, accidents, sexual abuse, or serious threats) within that year. The analysis then focused on the extent to which those who experienced a new traumatic event between the measurements were either recovered or had significantly reduced symptoms during the second measurement.
Understanding traumatic events is crucial
The results indicate that when dealing with mental health issues, it is important to assess the extent of existing psychological complaints prior to the traumatic event. If such complaints are present, immediate referral to mental health services should be considered. These findings are particularly significant for victim support, general practitioners, and other healthcare providers.