Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Following Motor Vehicle Accidents

Abstract

Objective: Acute stress disorder (ASD) describes initial posttraumatic stress reactions that purportedly predict subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to index the influence of gender on the relationship between ASD and PTSD. Method: Motor vehicle accident survivors were assessed for ASD within 1-month posttrauma (n = 171) and were subsequently assessed for PTSD 6-months later (n = 134). Results: Acute stress disorder was diagnosed in 8% of males and 23% of females, and PTSD was diagnosed in 15% of males and 38% of females. In terms of patients followed up at 6 months, 57% and 92% of males and females, respectively, who met criteria for ASD were diagnosed with PTSD. Females displayed significantly more peritraumatic dissociation than males. Conclusion: Peritraumatic dissociation and ASD is a more accurate predictor of PTSD in females than males. This gender difference may be explained in terms of response bias or biological differences in trauma response between males and females.