Differences in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms between elderly non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans.

This study was a secondary analysis of two similar data sets to examine potential differences in PTSD symptoms between elderly whites and African Americans (n=90). Without regard to trauma type, there were no differences between the races in the distribution of PTSD diagnosis or specific symptom constellations (e.g., re-experiencing, avoidance, or arousal). No significant differences were yielded for individuals who experienced a physical trauma. However, in cases of nonphysical trauma, elderly whites were significantly more likely than elderly African Americans to report hyperarousal symptoms. These results suggest the need to better understand coping strategies used by whites and African Americans in the face of trauma.