A Factor Analysis of PTSD with Latino Samples with Substance Use Disorders

OBJECTIVE: The Post - Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) factor structure is not a generally agreed upon concept. It has remained controversial and its’ efficacy regarding different trauma presentations is still in question. Therefore, it is imperative that we evaluate different conceptualizations of the PTSD factor structure. This study aims to understand how PTSD is structured when comorbid with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). METHOD: We evaluated presentations of PTSD - SUD from a Latino community based sample. This was done using several accepted models of the PTSD factor structure. We then performed an exploratory factor analysis of the factor structure of PTSD when comorbid with SUD. RESULTS: We found that the factor structure of PTSD - SUD was different from the structure presented in the DSM - IV and other empirically validated structural models. CONCLUSION: The factor structure of PTSD may need to include a separate structure when PTSD is comorbid with SUD. Cultural differences when structuring the PTSD diagnosis should also be considered.