Trauma and dissociation among inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Taiwan

Bidirectional relationships among complex PTSD, dissociation, and psychotic symptoms in two samples

Background: Although trauma-related symptoms (e.g. complex PTSD and dissociative symptoms) and psychotic symptoms often co-occur, little is known about the complex relationships among these symptoms over time.Objective: This study examined the bidirectional relationships among complex PTSD symptoms, dissociative symptoms, and positive symptoms of psychosis.Methods: This study analyzed available longitudinal data from two convenience samples (Sample 1: N = 214, Chinese-speaking adults; Sample 2: N = 301, English-speaking adults). Participants in both samples completed validated measures of ICD-11 complex PTSD (that included measurement of 'classical' PTSD), dissociation, and positive symptoms of psychosis at baseline and follow-up, six months (Sample 1) or 12 months (Sample 2) apart. A cross-lagged panel model was used to examine the longitudinal relationship between trauma-related symptoms and psychotic symptoms in each sample.Results: In Sample 1, baseline dissociative symptoms significantly predicted positive symptoms of psychosis at follow-up. In Sample 2, no significant longitudinal relationships between trauma-related and psychotic symptoms were observed. In both samples, baseline disturbances in self-organization (DSO) symptoms predicted 'classical' PTSD symptoms at follow-up.Conclusion: This study made the first attempt to examine the longitudinal relationships among ICD-11 complex PTSD symptoms, dissociative symptoms, and psychotic symptoms. The inconsistent findings point to the importance of further research on the longitudinal relationships between trauma-related and psychotic symptoms. Moreover, our results indicate that addressing DSO symptoms may be important in the prevention and treatment of PTSD symptoms.

The co-occurrence of depression and dissociation: The relevance of childhood trauma

Recent studies showed that dissociation may be common and persistent in people with depression. Dissociation also predicts subsequent depressive symptoms. Both conditions have been linked with trauma exposure. Yet, little is known about the co-occurrence of depression and dissociation. This multi-sample study investigated the co-occurrence of depressive and dissociative symptoms and its relationship with different types of childhood trauma. We analyzed available data from five samples of Chinese adults (N = 2737 in total). Participants completed the same set of measures of depressive and dissociative symptoms and childhood betrayal and non-betrayal trauma. Across samples, between 22.0% and 50.6% of participants with depression exhibited co-occurring dissociation; the majority of participants with dissociation (67.0%-90.2%) presented with depression too. One-way ANCOVA showed that participants who presented with both depression and dissociation reported a statistically significantly higher number of childhood betrayal and non-betrayal trauma types compared to those who had only one or none of these conditions. Exploratory mediation analysis also revealed that dissociative symptoms partly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms, regardless of the type of trauma. Findings suggest that the co-occurrence of depressive and dissociative symptoms is associated with childhood trauma. Individuals who report depressive symptoms or seek treatments for a depressive disorder should be screened for dissociation. Further studies on the reliability, validity, clinical features, and intervention needs of the possible dissociative subtype of depression are required.

A prospective study of nightmare disorder among Chinese adults in Hong Kong: Persistence and mental health outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies showed that nightmares are prevalent and are associated with negative health outcomes. However, no empirical data is available demonstrating the extent to which nightmare disorder persists over time. Current literature provides a limited understanding of the trajectory and wider mental health outcomes of nightmare disorder. This longitudinal study examined the persistence and mental health outcomes of nightmare disorder.

METHODS

A total of 230 Hong Kong Chinese adults completed standardized assessments twice with an interval of about 6 months.

RESULTS

Over half (66.7%) of the participants with probable nightmare disorder at baseline remained to meet the DSM-5 criteria for the disorder at follow-up. Participants with probable nightmare disorder at baseline were significantly more likely to screen positive for PTSD (82.1% vs 18.3%) (p < .001) (p < .001), and they reported higher rates of mental health service usage at both timepoints (p = .001 to .003). Baseline nightmare disorder severity was negatively associated with subsequent self-rated mental health (β = -.151, p = .010) and self-esteem (β = -.141, p = .009) and it also predicted subsequent PTSD symptoms (β = .122, p = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides first empirical data showing that nightmare disorder could be persistent over time. Nightmare disorder symptoms are associated not only with PTSD symptoms but also with a broader range of mental health issues. This study points to the public health importance of identifying and managing nightmare disorder symptoms in the community. Additionally, the presence of nightmare disorder symptoms may be a helpful indicator for identifying post-traumatic stress.

Childhood adversities and psychotic symptoms among high school students in China: The role of dissociation

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are well-established risk factors for psychotic symptoms. This study replicated the relationship between ACEs and positive symptoms of psychosis in the Asian context and explored the moderating effect of dissociation. We analyzed data from 1439 high school students in China who completed validated measures of ACEs, positive symptoms of psychosis, and dissociative symptoms. The positive relationship between ACEs and psychotic symptoms was confirmed in our sample (r =0.244, p <0.001). Among different ACEs, childhood emotional neglect (β =0.139, p <0.001) and emotional abuse (β =0.125, p <0.001) had the strongest relationship with psychotic symptoms. Dissociative symptoms were also found to be a statistically significant moderator. We provide cross-cultural evidence for the relationship between ACEs and psychotic symptoms. Dissociative symptoms may exacerbate such effects. These results highlight the importance of child protection to prevent psychotic symptoms. Individuals with higher levels of dissociation may be at higher risk of developing psychotic symptoms when exposed to adversities. A trauma-informed approach to addressing psychotic symptoms in the community is recommended.

Trauma, Emotional Regulation, and Coping Styles in Individuals with and without Probable Dissociative Disorders in Hong Kong

Previous studies showed that dissociation and dissociative disorders (DDs) are prevalent and are associated with considerable individual and social consequences. There are ongoing debates regarding whether dissociation is a response to betrayal trauma across cultures and whether dissociation can be explained by maladaptive coping. Additionally, little is known about the clinical features of individuals with DDs in the Chinese context. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between trauma, emotional regulation, coping, and dissociation. We analyzed baseline data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 101). Participants with dissociative symptoms in Hong Kong completed self-report assessments. Structured interviews were also conducted subsequently. Participants with probable DDs reported more traumatic events (p = .009 to .017) and exhibited significantly higher levels of dysfunctional coping (p < .001) compared to those who reported dissociative symptoms but did not have a DD. Dissociative symptoms were more strongly associated with betrayal trauma than with non-betrayal trauma. Among different emotion regulation and coping strategies, dysfunctional coping was the only significant factor associated with dissociative symptoms (β = .309, p = .003). Dysfunctional coping was a statistically significant mediator that may explain the relationship between betrayal trauma and dissociative symptoms. Although other mediation paths are also possible and further longitudinal studies are required, our findings highlight the strong link between dysfunctional coping and dissociative symptoms and suggest that coping skills training should be incorporated into interventions for betrayal trauma survivors with dissociative symptoms. Additionally, this study provides evidence for the cross-cultural validity of the betrayal trauma theory. Further studies, however, are required.

Childhood experiences and dissociation among high school students in China: Theoretical reexamination and clinical implications

BACKGROUND

Dissociation remains a controversial topic in terms of its prevalence, cross-cultural validity, and relationship with childhood trauma and adversities.

AIMS

This study investigated the prevalence of dissociative symptoms and probable dissociative disorders among Chinese high school students and tested the trauma model of dissociation.

METHODS

A total of N = 1,720 high school students completed standardized measures of positive and adverse childhood experiences (PCEs and ACEs), dissociation, depression, and anxiety.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of dissociative symptoms and (probable) DSM-5 dissociative disorders (DDs) were 11.2% and 6.9%, respectively. Dissociation was a reliable construct (ICC = .682 to .752, p < .001) and was moderately correlated with general psychopathology (r = .424 with depressive symptoms, r = .423 with anxiety symptoms). Participants with a probable DD reported more ACEs, fewer PCEs, and more mental health symptoms than those without a probable DD. ACEs were significantly associated with dissociative symptoms (β = .107, p < .001) even after controlling for age, depressive, and anxiety symptoms. PCEs moderated the relationship between ACEs and dissociative symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of the prevalence of dissociative symptoms and probable DSM-5 DDs among nonclinical children. We provide cross-cultural evidence that dissociation is a reliable and valid clinical phenomenon associated with psychopathology in children across cultures. The findings partly support the trauma model of dissociation. This study contributes to the limited literature on dissociation in children. It also offers empirical data to facilitate the ongoing controversy about (childhood) trauma and dissociation. Our findings imply that dissociation is cross-culturally associated with childhood adversities, but trauma is not the only, sufficient cause. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Is teacher violence a form of betrayal trauma? Relationship with mental health problems among young adults

BACKGROUND

Childhood trauma is one of the most preventable risk factors for mental health problems. Considering the substantial amount of time that young people spend in school during their early years, it is important to understand the potential impacts of teachers' behaviors on students' mental health.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the relationship between exposure to teacher violence and mental health problems.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

An international sample of young adults aged 18 to 24 (N = 283).

METHODS

Participants completed self-report measures of childhood trauma, exposure to teacher violence, depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol misuse.

RESULTS

Exposure to teacher violence could be reliably and validly measured using the Teacher Violence Scale (TVS). Current mental health problems - including depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress, and alcohol misuse - were associated with exposure to teacher violence during high school years, but not with childhood non-betrayal trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings expand the application of the betrayal trauma theory to school settings and point to the importance of preventing and managing teacher violence. It is important to provide more support and training to teachers and enhance monitoring measures in schools. More research on the prevalence and correlates of exposure to teacher violence is needed. We also provided first evidence supporting the reliability and validity of the English version of the TVS to facilitate future research.

Dissociative symptoms among community health service users in Hong Kong: a longitudinal study of clinical course and consequences

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the high prevalence of dissociative symptoms and their association with considerable healthcare costs. However, there is a lack of studies that describe whether dissociative symptoms persist and lead to other clinical outcomes over time in the community.Objectives: This study investigated the persistence, predictors, and consequences of dissociative symptoms in the community.Methods: We analyzed longitudinal data in a sample of community health service users in Hong Kong (N = 173).Results: A relatively high proportion (63.6%) of participants with baseline dissociative symptoms continued to exhibit dissociative symptoms after approximately 9 months. Baseline non-betrayal trauma predicted subsequent dissociative symptoms (β = .141, p = .024). Participants with baseline dissociative symptoms were more likely to have received subsequent emergency mental health services (9.1% vs 0.7%, p = .005). Baseline dissociative symptoms significantly predicted subsequent post-traumatic symptoms (β = .165 to .191, p < .05) and difficulty in social and occupational participation (β = -.152 to -.182, p < .05) even after controlling for baseline scores, trauma exposure, and use of professional support. The predictive role of dissociative symptoms on subsequent disturbances in self-organization symptoms and social participation difficulty remained significant after applying the Bonferroni correction.Conclusions: This is one of the very few studies showing that dissociative symptoms are persistent to a certain degree and could predict other symptoms and subsequent impairments even in community settings. Factors that affect the trajectory of dissociative symptoms should be further investigated. Regular screening for dissociative symptoms is recommended. Considering its prevalence, persistence, and clinical and social consequences, dissociation should be given greater public health attention.

Analysis of Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Dissociative Identity Disorder

PURPOSE

The prevalence of dissociative identity disorder (DID) is 1%. However, the diagnosis can be made less frequently. This rate is similar to that of schizophrenia, and it is a public health problem that should receive attention. In the wake of the research results and clinical experiences, it was determined that DID diagnosis was challenging. Despite prevalence rates being similar to those seen in schizophrenia, DID remains under-researched. This study aims to determine the sociodemographic features, complaints, aetiological traumas, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and previous psychiatric applications of patients who had DID diagnosis, as well as to increase the awareness and recognisability of DID.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy patients who were diagnosed with DID based on the DSM 5 criteria and admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Department of Psychiatry Harran University Faculty of Medicine agreed to participate in this study. Patients filled out dissociative experiences scale, dissociation scale, and sociodemographic data form.

RESULTS

Of the 70 patients, 47 (67.14%) were female, and 23 (32.85%) were male. The mean age was 26.5 ± 9.63, the age range was 18-62. It was the first psychiatric application for 34 (48.57%) patients. Of the 70 patients, 27 (38.57%) had four or more applications. Only 17 patients (24.28%) had the sole diagnosis of DID, while 47 patients (67.14%) had comorbid depressive symptoms. Regarding the first complaints, 35 patients (50.00%) had dissociative symptoms; 49 patients (70.00%) had depressive symptoms. As for the trauma types, 45 patients (64.28%) had histories of physical abuse, while 34 patients (48.57%) had histories of chronic neglect.

CONCLUSION

The symptoms of DID can be related to many psychiatric disorders. DID patients can be classified under many different symptom groups. Treatments for symptoms fail when the diagnosis of DID is neglected. Patients are generally misdiagnosed, as determined in this study and in previous studies. Dissociative symptoms should be checked regularly during psychiatric interviews to prevent misdiagnosis.