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Ng LC, Hook K, Hailemariam M, Selamu M, Fekadu A, Hanlon C. Experience of traumatic events in people with severe mental illness in a low-income country: a qualitative study. Int J Ment Health Syst 2023; 17:45. [PMID: 38053187 PMCID: PMC10699012 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-023-00616-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study describes the trauma experiences of people with severe mental illness (SMI) in Ethiopia and presents a model of how SMI and trauma exposure interact to reduce functioning and quality of life in this setting. METHODS A total of 53 participants living and working in a rural district in southern Ethiopia were interviewed: 18 people living with SMI, 21 caregivers, and 14 primary health care providers. RESULTS Many participants reported that exposure to traumatic and stressful events led to SMI, exacerbated SMI symptoms, and increased caregiver stress and distress. In addition, SMI symptoms and caregiver desperation, stress or stigma were also reported to increase the possibility of trauma exposure. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest it is incumbent upon health professionals and the broader health community to view trauma exposure (broadly defined) as a public health problem that affects all, particularly individuals with SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Ng
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kimberly Hook
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maji Hailemariam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Medhin Selamu
- Center for Innovative Drug Development, Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebaw Fekadu
- Center for Innovative Drug Development, Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Center for Innovative Drug Development, Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Centre for Global Mental Health, King's College London, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research and Training, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
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Trabsa A, Redolar-Ripoll D, Vargas L, Llimona A, Hogg B, Valiente-Gómez A, Pérez V, Moreno-Alcázar A, Amann BL. A comparison of PTSD and traumatic event rates in a clinical sample of non-refugee immigrants and native-born individuals with a psychotic disorder: a case-control study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2263151. [PMID: 37846737 PMCID: PMC10583634 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2263151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Migration is a multi-stage social process linked to traumatic event exposure and a notably increased risk of psychosis. Although these conditions affect refugee and non-refugee immigrants, prior trauma research has focused mainly on the refugee population.Objective: To compare and describe the rate and the clinical characterization of PTSD and traumatic events between non-refugee immigrants and native-born individuals with psychotic disorder.Methods: 99 immigrants and 99 native-born individuals (n = 198) with at least one psychotic episode according to DSM-5 criteria were compared on the rate of PTSD diagnosis and traumatic events, using standardized and validated trauma scales.Results: In the non-refugee immigrant group, 31% met diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared to only 7.1% in the native-born group. Total scores in childhood trauma and last year stressful events were 1.5 and 2 times higher in non-refugee immigrants, respectively. Likewise, cumulative lifetime trauma was three times higher in non-refugee immigrants. Finally, non-refugee immigrants reported more violent and life-threatening traumatic events than native-born individuals.Conclusions: These results are relevant since they highlight that non-refugee immigrants with psychotic disorders are highly trauma-exposed, meaning a routine trauma assessment and a trauma-focused intervention for this population should be included in individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Trabsa
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Institute Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Redolar-Ripoll
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Cognitive NeuroLab, Open University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Vargas
- Mental Health Institute Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Llimona
- Mental Health Institute Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bridget Hogg
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addiction (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia Valiente-Gómez
- Mental Health Institute Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addiction (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Pérez
- Mental Health Institute Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Moreno-Alcázar
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addiction (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benedikt L. Amann
- Mental Health Institute Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addiction (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
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Brown WJ, Saulnier KG, Allan NP, Wojtalik JA, Zampogna AM, Grubaugh AL. Dropout from prolonged exposure among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid severe mental illness. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Psychiatric admission as a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114176. [PMID: 34455217 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric hospitalization poses a risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), partly because of coercion. However, the role of legal status is less clear, while factors like insight, exposure to violence and affective disorders have not been addressed adequately. The present study aims at assessing PTSD rates after hospitalization and evaluating the potential role of these factors. 98 inpatients were assessed for PTSD, insight, main diagnosis, adverse events during hospitalization and legal status. Assessment took place at discharge (T1) and three months later (T2). Three months after discharge, 74.2% of patients with affective disorders met symptom-criteria for PTSD. Voluntarily hospitalized patients had more severe PTSD-symptoms. This relation vanished after controlling for affective disorders. The latter, as well as exposure to violence were the most significant risk factors at T2. Female gender, marital status (not married) and employment status (not employed), were additional risk factors at T1, while involuntary medication had a negative effect on PTSD-symptoms. Voluntarily hospitalized patients are more vulnerable to PTSD, due to higher rates of affective disorders. Females suffering from affective disorders who are not married and not employed should be monitored for PTSD symptoms during and after hospitalization, especially if exposed to violence.
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Le Trouble Stress Post-Traumatique secondaire à l’expérience de la psychose : une revue de littérature. Encephale 2019; 45:506-512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Gianfrancesco O, Bubb VJ, Quinn JP. Treating the "E" in "G × E": Trauma-Informed Approaches and Psychological Therapy Interventions in Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:9. [PMID: 30761022 PMCID: PMC6363686 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in genetic research, causal variants affecting risk for schizophrenia remain poorly characterized, and the top 108 loci identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) explain only 3.4% of variance in risk profiles. Such work is defining the highly complex nature of this condition, with omnigenic models of schizophrenia suggesting that gene regulatory networks are sufficiently interconnected such that altered expression of any "peripheral" gene in a relevant cell type has the capacity to indirectly modulate the expression of "core" schizophrenia-associated genes. This wealth of associated genes with small effect sizes makes identifying new druggable targets difficult, and current pharmacological treatments for schizophrenia can involve serious side effects. However, the fact that the majority of schizophrenia genome-wide associated variants fall within non-coding DNA is suggestive of their potential to modulate gene regulation. This would be consistent with risks that can be mediated in a "gene × environment" (G × E) manner. Stress and trauma can alter the regulation of key brain-related pathways over the lifetime of an individual, including modulation of brain development, and neurochemistry in the adult. Recent studies demonstrate a significant overlap between psychotic symptoms and trauma, ranging from prior trauma contributing to psychosis, as well as trauma in response to the experience of psychosis itself or in response to treatment. Given the known effects of trauma on both CNS gene expression and severity of psychosis symptoms, it may be that pharmacological treatment alone risks leaving individuals with a highly stressful and unresolved environmental component that continues to act in a "G × E" manner, with the likelihood that this would negatively impact recovery and relapse risk. This review aims to cover the recent advances elucidating the complex genetic architecture of schizophrenia, as well as the long-term effects of early life trauma on brain function and future mental health risk. Further, the evidence demonstrating the role of ongoing responses to trauma or heightened stress sensitivity, and their impact on the course of illness and recovery, is presented. Finally, the need for trauma-informed approaches and psychological therapy-based interventions is discussed, and a brief overview of the evidence to determine their utility is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olympia Gianfrancesco
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Vivien J Bubb
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John P Quinn
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Beck AT, Himelstein R, Bredemeier K, Silverstein SM, Grant P. What accounts for poor functioning in people with schizophrenia: a re-evaluation of the contributions of neurocognitive v. attitudinal and motivational factors. Psychol Med 2018; 48:2776-2785. [PMID: 29501072 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718000442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocognitive deficits are often seen as core features of schizophrenia, and as primary determinants of poor functioning. Yet, our clinical observations suggest that individuals who score within the impaired range on standardized tests can reliably perform better in complex real-world situations, especially when performance is embedded within a positive socio-affective context. METHODS We analyzed literature on the influence of non-neurocognitive factors on test performance in order to clarify their contributions. RESULTS We identified seven non-neurocognitive factors that significantly contribute to neurocognitive test performance: avolition, dysfunctional attitudes, effort, stress, negative emotions, asociality, and disorganized symptoms. We then proposed an alternative model based on dysfunctional (e.g. defeatist) attitudes and their consequences for motivation and sustained task engagement. We demonstrated that these factors account for substantial variance in negative symptoms, neurocognitive test performance, and functional outcomes. We then demonstrated that recovery-oriented cognitive therapy - which is derived from this alternative model and primarily targets dysfunctional beliefs - has been successful in the treatment of low functioning individuals with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION The contributions of neurocognitive impairments to poor real-world functioning in people with schizophrenia may be overstated in the literature, and may even be limited relative to non-neurocognitive factors. We offer suggestions for further research to more precisely quantify the contributions of attitudinal/motivation v. neurocognitive factors in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Beck
- Department of Psychiatry,University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Robyn Himelstein
- Department of Psychiatry,University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,USA
| | - Keith Bredemeier
- Center for Assessment Research and Translation,University of Delaware,Newark,Delaware,USA
| | - Steven M Silverstein
- Department of Psychiatry,Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School,Piscataway Township,New Jersey,USA
| | - Paul Grant
- Department of Psychiatry,University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,USA
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Rodrigues R, Anderson KK. The traumatic experience of first-episode psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res 2017; 189:27-36. [PMID: 28214175 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A psychotic episode may be sufficiently traumatic to induce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which could impact outcomes in first-episode psychosis (FEP). The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to estimate the prevalence of PTSD symptoms in relation to psychosis in FEP and to identify risk factors for the development of PTSD symptoms. METHODS We searched electronic databases and conducted manual searching of reference lists and tables of contents to identify relevant studies. Quantitative studies were included if the population was experiencing FEP and if PTSD was measured in relation to psychosis. Prevalence of PTSD symptoms and diagnoses were meta-analyzed using a random effects model. Potential risk factors for PTSD symptoms were summarized qualitatively. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included. Eight studies assessed PTSD symptoms, three studies assessed full PTSD, and two studies assessed both. The pooled prevalence of PTSD symptoms was 42% (95% CI 30%-55%), and the pooled prevalence of a PTSD diagnosis was 30% (95% CI 21%-40%). Exploratory subgroup analyses suggest that prevalence may be higher in affective psychosis and inpatient samples. Evidence from included studies implicate depression and anxiety as potential risk factors for PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Approximately one in two people experience PTSD symptoms and one in three experience full PTSD following a first psychotic episode. Evidence-based interventions to treat PTSD symptoms in the context of FEP are needed to address this burden and improve outcomes after the first psychotic episode. Further studies are needed to clarify the associated risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Rodrigues
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly K Anderson
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Lu W, Mueser KT, Rosenberg SD, Yanos PT, Mahmoud N. Posttraumatic Reactions to Psychosis: A Qualitative Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:129. [PMID: 28769826 PMCID: PMC5515869 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate the potentially traumatic aspects of psychotic symptoms and psychiatric treatment of psychosis using qualitative methods. Participants included 63 people with first episode psychosis or multiple psychotic episodes recruited from an inpatient psychiatric unit and an urban state psychiatric hospital in the North East region of the United States. Quasi-structured interviews were used to explore those aspects of symptoms and treatment that were perceived as traumatic Emotional reactions to the most traumatic aspect of symptoms and treatment, during and after the event, were also examined. Participants described a number of traumatogenic aspects of psychotic symptoms, including frightening hallucinations; suicidal thought/attempts, thoughts/attempts to hurt others; paranoia/delusions and bizarre/disorganized behavior or catatonia. Traumatic aspects of psychosis elicited emotions including anger, sadness and confusion, anxiety, and numbness at the time of event. Furthermore, many participants found aspects of treatment to be traumatic, including: being forced to stay in the hospital for a long time; experiencing upsetting side-effects; coercive treatments, including involuntary hospitalization, use of restraints, and forced medication; being exposed to aggressive patients; and mistreatment by professionals. These experiences elicited emotions of anger, sadness, distrust, and a sense of helplessness. Study findings suggest that the experiences both of psychotic symptoms and psychiatric treatment, potentially traumatic, can be a powerful barrier to engaging people in mental health services and facilitating recovery. Clinical implications were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Lu
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, Rutgers University, Scotch Plains, NJ, United States
| | - Kim T Mueser
- Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stanley D Rosenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, United States.,Dartmouth Trauma Intervention Research Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Philip T Yanos
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY, New York, NY, United States
| | - Neisrein Mahmoud
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions, Rutgers University, Scotch Plains, NJ, United States
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Abstract
This study sought to clarify the contribution of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to interpersonal and occupational functioning in people with schizophrenia. Self-report questionnaires and semistructured interviews were used to evaluate PTSD and brain injury, positive symptoms, depression, substance abuse, occupational and social functioning, and intelligence. Multiple regressions assessed the relationship between predictors and functional impairment. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were present in 76% of participants, with 12% of participants meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Participants with PTSD had higher rates of depression and more severe positive symptoms. Results of multiple regressions indicated that PTSD symptoms were the only significant predictor of patient-rated interpersonal and occupational functioning. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were not associated with interviewer-rated interpersonal or occupational functioning or employment. While more research is needed, screening and treatment for exposure to traumatic events and PTSD symptoms might be indicated for individuals with schizophrenia. Availability of PTSD assessment and evidence-based treatments for people with schizophrenia is a crucial and often unmet health service need.
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Fornells-Ambrojo M, Gracie A, Brewin CR, Hardy A. Narrowing the focus on the assessment of psychosis-related PTSD: a methodologically orientated systematic review. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2016; 7:32095. [PMID: 27679976 PMCID: PMC5040819 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v7.32095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in response to psychosis and associated experiences (psychosis-related PTSD, or PR-PTSD) is the subject of a growing field of research. However, a wide range of PR-PTSD prevalence rates has been reported. This may be due to definitional and methodological inconsistencies in the assessment of PR-PTSD. OBJECTIVE The focus of the review is two-fold. (1) To identify factors that enhance, or detract from, the robustness of PR-PTSD assessment and (2) to critically evaluate the evidence in relation to these identified criteria, including the impact on PR-PTSD prevalence rates. METHOD Four quality criteria, whose development was informed by mainstream PTSD research, were selected to evaluate findings on PR-PTSD prevalence. Two criteria related to assessment of psychosis-related stressors (participant identification of worst moments of discrete threat events; psychometrically robust trauma measure) and two focussed on PR-PTSD symptom measurement (adequate time elapsed since trauma; use of validated PTSD interview) in the context of psychosis. RESULTS Twenty-one studies of PR-PTSD, with prevalence rates ranging from 11 to 51%, were evaluated. Fourteen studies (67%) used robust PTSD measures but PR-trauma was not specifically defined or assessed with validated measures. Eleven studies (52%) assessed PTSD before sufficient time had elapsed since the trauma. Due to significant methodological limitations, it was not possible to review PR-PTSD rates and provide a revised estimate of prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Methodological limitations are common in existing studies of PR-PTSD prevalence. Specific recommendations for improving assessment of psychosis-related trauma are made to guide the development of this new and emerging field. The review concludes with a proposed conceptualisation of PR-PTSD in the context of current diagnostic systems. The utility of the PR-PTSD term and its theoretical underpinnings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Fornells-Ambrojo
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK;
| | - Alison Gracie
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris R Brewin
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amy Hardy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Co-occurrence of psychotic symptoms with symptoms typically thought of as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well known, and there has been considerable debate whether this represents a psychotic subtype or a comorbid psychotic disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Psychotic symptoms typical of schizophrenia occur with a higher than expected frequency in PTSD. A large genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified a collection of genes associated with PTSD, and these genes overlap with those identified as increasing the risk of developing schizophrenia. SUMMARY Up to 70% of returning veterans experience symptoms of PTSD. These individuals also fall within the peak age range for the onset of schizophrenia. PTSD with psychosis may occur for several reasons: trauma increases one's risk for schizophrenia and PTSD; patients with schizophrenia have a higher incidence of PTSD and may present with characteristic psychotic symptoms overlapping with psychosis in schizophrenia. Secondary to symptom overlap, there may be substantial misdiagnosis of psychotic disorders as PTSD, or nonidentification of a comorbid psychotic disorder. This overlap calls into question traditional diagnostic boundaries with implications for initial and long-term treatment of PTSD and psychosis. This review will discuss the recent literature relating to the association of PTSD with schizophrenia.
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Putts MR. Recognizing Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Individuals With Psychotic Disorders. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6676.2014.00133.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Putts
- Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies, East Carolina University
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PTSD symptoms associated with the experiences of psychosis and hospitalisation: a review of the literature. Clin Psychol Rev 2013; 33:526-38. [PMID: 23500156 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence of high rates of PTSD in people with psychosis, but the influence that symptoms or hospitalisation have on PTSD in individuals with psychosis is less clear. This paper reviewed studies investigating the prevalence of PTSD induced as a result of the experience of psychosis and hospitalisation and factors that might influence its development. The review included 24 studies, published between 1980 and 2011. Studies showed high levels of PTSD resulting from the trauma of symptoms and/or hospitalisation, with prevalence rates for actual PTSD resulting from these traumas varying from 11% to 67%. In line with studies of PTSD related to other traumatic events, there were inconsistent associations between PTSD and severity of positive and negative symptoms, but there were consistent associations between affective symptoms and PTSD. There were also inconsistent associations between hospital experiences and PTSD. Consistent with the general PTSD literature, there was some evidence that psychosis-related PTSD was associated with trauma history. There was also some emerging evidence that psychological variables, such as appraisals and coping style may influence psychosis-related PTSD. The review highlights the need for further research into psychological mechanisms that could increase vulnerability to psychosis-related PTSD and treatment approaches.
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Fisher P. Psychological factors related to the experience of and reaction to electroconvulsive therapy. J Ment Health 2012; 21:589-99. [DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2012.734656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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van den Berg DPG, van der Gaag M. Treating trauma in psychosis with EMDR: a pilot study. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2012; 43:664-71. [PMID: 21963888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 09/10/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Initial studies have shown that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be effectivelytreated in patients with a psychotic disorder. These studies however used adapted treatment protocols, avoided direct exposure to trauma related stimuli or preceded treatment with stabilizing techniques making treatment considerably longer in duration. METHOD An open trial in which adult subjects with a psychotic disorder and a comorbid PTSD (n = 27) received a maximum of six Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy sessions. PTSD symptoms, psychotic symptoms and additional symptoms were assessed at baseline and end-of-treatment. RESULTS The dropout rate was 18.5 percent (five subjects). Only five of the twenty-two completers (22.7%) still met criteria for PTSD after treatment. PTSD symptoms, auditory verbal hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem all improved significantly. Paranoid ideation and feelings of hopelessness did not improve significantly. Treatment did not lead to symptom exacerbation in subjects. There were no adverse events, such as suicide attempts, self-mutilation, aggressive behavior or admission to a general or psychiatric hospital. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study shows that a short EMDR therapy is effective and safe in the treatment of PTSD in subjects with a psychotic disorder. Treatment of PTSD has a positive effect on auditory verbal hallucinations, delusions, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and self-esteem. EMDR can be applied to this group of patients without adapting the treatment protocol or delaying treatment by preceding it with stabilizing interventions.
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