Structural relations between DSM-5 PTSD and major depression symptoms in military soldiers

Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are frequently comorbid. One explanation for this comorbidity is that PTSD has a constellation of "dysphoria" symptoms resembling depression. Method Using confirmatory factor analysis we tested the role of DSM-5 PTSD's dysphoria factor in relation to MDD symptom dimensions of somatic and non-somatic psychopathology. 672 Ohio National Guard soldiers completed DSM-5 measures of PTSD and MDD symptoms in an epidemiological study. Results Results indicated that in contrast to other PTSD factors, PTSD's dysphoria factor was more related to MDD's somatic and non-somatic factors. Limitations Limitations include generalizability to the epidemiological population of trauma-exposed military veterans rather than civilians, and reliance on self-report measures. Conclusions Implications concerning clinical psychopathology and comorbidity of PTSD are discussed, including whether PTSD should be refined by removing its non-specific symptoms.