Due to copyright issues, an electronic copy of the thesis must be ordered from the faculty. For the faculty to have time to process the order, the order must be received by the faculty at the latest 2 days before the public defence. Orders received later than 2 days before the defence will not be processed. After the public defence, please address any inquiries regarding the thesis to the candidate.
Trial Lecture – time and place
See Trial Lecture.
Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Associate Professor Sofie Bäärnhielm, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
- Second opponent: Associate Professor Jessica Carlsson, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Professor II Øyvind Rø, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Professor Randi Ulberg, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Professor Suraj Bahadur Thapa, University of Oslo
Summary
Throughout our lives, we may be confronted with dangers, such as accidents, violence, and natural disasters. Traumatic events may elicit profound long-term alterations in biological, psychological, and social responses. These long-term changes reflect the deep and complex influence that trauma can have on a person's overall well-being and life trajectory.
This study comprehensively examines how ethnicity, life history, gender, and biological markers influence trauma responses. Utilizing a cross-sectional method, the research involved extensive evaluations of 110 trauma patients who were receiving care at the Southern Oslo District Psychiatric Center between 2016 and 2018. These evaluations included several self-report questionnaires, different psychiatric interviews, comprehensive medical examinations, and a broad range of blood tests including immune markers. A control group was also included for comparative analysis of these markers.
The thesis revealed significant findings. It identified distinct mental health disorder patterns based on ethnic backgrounds and life history. Refugees showed higher rates of PTSD and depression, while ethnic Norwegians were more prone to alcohol abuse and certain anxiety disorders. Exploring gender and complex PTSD symptoms they found that men exposed to victimization trauma had more disturbances in affect and impulses, negative self-perception, loss of ideology/meaning, and relational difficulties. Additionally, the study explored the relationship between PTSD and cytokine levels, finding that lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking were more influential in explaining chronic inflammation than PTSD-diagnosis.
Overall, the thesis underscores the necessity of a holistic approach in treating trauma patients. It highlights the importance of considering the broad biopsychosocial context of trauma-affected patients. This may give a deeper understanding and more effective treatment strategies.
Additional information
Contact the research support staff.