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Sparrow R, Fornells-Ambrojo M. Two people making sense of a story: narrative exposure therapy as a trauma intervention in early intervention in psychosis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2355829. [PMID: 38856038 PMCID: PMC11168218 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2355829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is a recommended intervention for people with multiple trauma histories; however, research is lacking into its use with people experiencing psychosis, many of whom report multiple trauma histories.Objective: This study aimed to explore experiences of NET in early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services.Method: Eight clinicians and four experts with lived experience (experts by experience) of psychosis and multiple trauma were interviewed on a single occasion using two versions (clinician and expert by experience) of a semi-structured interview schedule. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Five overarching themes were generated, relating to fear and avoidance of memories, importance of trust, organizing memories and making new meaning, reconnecting with emotions, and considerations when delivering NET in EIP.Conclusions: Directly addressing the impact of multiple trauma in people experiencing first episode psychosis is frightening and emotive, but helps to address painful memories and organize them into a personal narrative. Increases in distress and anomalous experiences were carefully considered by clinicians, but typically outweighed by the benefits of NET. Challenges were comparable to those described in non-psychosis research. Implications for clinical practice and future research are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sparrow
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Miriam Fornells-Ambrojo
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- Early Intervention in Psychosis Services, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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2
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Hardy A, Keen N, van den Berg D, Varese F, Longden E, Ward T, Brand RM. Trauma therapies for psychosis: A state-of-the-art review. Psychol Psychother 2024; 97:74-90. [PMID: 37795877 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic events, particularly childhood interpersonal victimisation, have been found to play a causal role in the occurrence of psychosis and shape the phenomenology of psychotic experiences. Higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related mental health problems are also found in people with psychosis diagnoses compared to the general population. It is, therefore, imperative that therapists are willing and able to address trauma and its consequences when supporting recovery from distressing psychosis. METHOD This paper will support this need by providing a state-of-the-art overview of the safety, acceptability and effects of trauma therapies for psychosis. RESULTS We will first introduce how seminal cognitive-behavioural models of psychosis shed light on the mechanisms by which trauma may give rise to psychotic experiences, including a putative role for trauma-related emotions, beliefs and episodic memories. The initial application of prolonged exposure and eye movement and desensitation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for treating PTSD in psychosis will be described, followed by consideration of integrative approaches. These integrative approaches aim to address the impact of trauma on both post-traumatic stress symptoms and trauma-related psychosis. Integrative approaches include EMDR for psychosis (EMDRp) and trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (tf-CBTp). Finally, emerging dialogic approaches for targeting trauma-related voice-hearing will be considered, demonstrating the potential value of adopting co-produced (Talking with Voices) and digitally augmented (AVATAR) therapies. CONCLUSION We will conclude by reflecting on current issues in the area, and implications for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hardy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadine Keen
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David van den Berg
- Mark van der Gaag Research Centre, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor Longden
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Complex Trauma and Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Psychosis Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Ward
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Brand
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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Airey ND, Taylor CDJ, Vikram A, Berry K. Trauma measures for use with psychosis populations: A systematic review of psychometric properties using COSMIN. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115163. [PMID: 36948019 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic events play a key role in the development and course of psychosis. Psychotic symptoms themselves and coercive treatment practices can be inherently traumatic. Hence, reliable and valid methods of assessing trauma and its impact (i.e., Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomology) are essential for use with people with psychosis. Many measures are available to select from, but this is the first review to appraise the psychometric properties of trauma measures to guide decision making regarding instrument use. The review was prospectively registered on Prospero (CRD42022306100). Evaluation of methodological and psychometric quality followed Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidance. Twenty-four articles were eligible, with sixteen trauma measures evaluated. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire- Short Form demonstrated the most robust evidence for assessing experience of trauma. The Trauma and Life Experience (TALE) checklist was the only measure to include specific psychosis and iatrogenic harm items. For PTSD measures, the Symptoms of Trauma Scale and PTSD Symptom Scale- Self Report had the highest quality evidence. Psychometric strengths and weaknesses of various trauma measures are comprehensively evaluated, highlighting future research directions to strengthen the evidence base with emphasis on further evaluation of the TALE, which integrates trauma specific to psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola D Airey
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 2(nd) Floor Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BL, UK.
| | - Christopher D J Taylor
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 2(nd) Floor Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Community Mental Health Team, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Humphrey House, Angouleme Way, Bury BL9 0EQ, UK
| | - Anvita Vikram
- Community Mental Health Team, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Humphrey House, Angouleme Way, Bury BL9 0EQ, UK
| | - Katherine Berry
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 2(nd) Floor Zochonis Building, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BL, UK
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4
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Liu J, Mahendran R, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Elucidating the Impact of Childhood, Adulthood, and Cumulative Lifetime Trauma Exposure on Psychiatric Symptoms in Early Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. J Trauma Stress 2021; 34:137-148. [PMID: 33096583 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative lifetime trauma has a profound impact on the development of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, few studies have determined participants' most distressing (i.e., "worst") life event in childhood or adulthood or examined whether this event contributes to poorer clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to (a) determine the associations between the worst life event and demographic/clinical variables and (b) examine the associations between the worst life event and psychiatric symptoms (i.e., positive, negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms). Participants (N = 150) were outpatients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who were assessed for lifetime trauma exposure, positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between demographic and clinical variables and worst life events (none, childhood, or adulthood). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between worst life events and psychiatric symptoms. More participants reported that their worst life event occurred during adulthood (31.1%) than childhood (21.3%). Adulthood trauma was associated with male gender, older age, non-Chinese ethnicity, and psychiatric comorbidities; childhood trauma was associated with a family history of depression/anxiety. Adulthood trauma was significantly associated with more severe positive psychotic symptoms, f2 = 0.19, whereas childhood and adulthood trauma exposure were both significantly associated with more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, f2 s = 0.19 and 0.25, respectively. Our findings underscore the importance of conducting assessments for worst life events and the associated risk factors to develop meaningful formulations and appropriate trauma-focused treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Liu
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.,Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Development Department, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
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A systematic review of PTSD to the experience of psychosis: prevalence and associated factors. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:9. [PMID: 33413179 PMCID: PMC7789184 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02999-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosis can be a sufficiently traumatic event to lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has focussed on the trauma of first episode psychosis (FEP) and the only review to date of PTSD beyond the first episode period was not systematic and is potentially outdated. METHODS We searched electronic databases and reference lists using predetermined inclusion criteria to retrieve studies that reported prevalence rates and associated factors of psychosis-related PTSD across all stages of the course of psychosis. Studies were included if they measured PTSD specifically related to the experience of psychosis. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results were synthesised narratively. RESULTS Six papers met inclusion criteria. Prevalence estimates of psychosis-related PTSD varied from 14 to 47%. Studies either assessed first-episode samples or did not specify the number of episodes experienced. Depression was consistently associated with psychosis-related PTSD. Other potential associations included treatment-related factors, psychosis severity, childhood trauma, and individual psychosocial reactions to trauma. CONCLUSIONS Psychosis-related PTSD is a common problem in people with psychosis. There is a lack of published research on this beyond first episode psychosis. Further research is needed on larger, more generalizable samples. Our results tentatively suggest that prevalence rates of psychosis-related PTSD have not reduced over the past decade despite ambitions to provide trauma-informed care. Prospero registration number: CRD42019138750.
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Psychosis, trauma and dissociation: evolving perspectives on severe psychopathology. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021. [PMCID: PMC8018421 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1893985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Liu J, Lim MSM, Ng BT, Chong SA, Subramaniam M, Mahendran R. Global emotion dysregulation and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies mediate the effects of severe trauma on depressive and positive symptoms in early non-affective psychosis. Schizophr Res 2020; 222:251-257. [PMID: 32473932 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown that childhood trauma contributes to the onset and maintenance of psychosis. However, few studies have accounted for the effects of lifetime trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and none have examined the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in symptom maintenance after severe trauma. The purpose of this study is to determine whether maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERS) and global emotion dysregulation mediate the effects of probable PTSD on depressive symptoms, and whether this pathway extends to influence positive symptoms in patients with early non-affective psychotic disorders. METHODS A total of 150 outpatients with early non-affective psychosis were assessed for trauma exposure, DSM-5 PTSD symptoms, CERS, global emotion dysregulation, and current depressive and positive symptoms. Parallel and serial mediation analyses based on ordinary least squares regressions were used to test the hypothesized models. RESULTS Mediation analyses controlling for gender, psychiatric comorbidities, antipsychotic medication dosage, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), family history of mental illness, and cumulative trauma revealed that maladaptive CERS (rumination, catastrophic thinking, and self-blame) and global emotion dysregulation mediated the effects of probable PTSD on depressive symptoms (R2 = 41%), while maladaptive CERS, global emotion dysregulation, and depressive symptoms mediated the effects of probable PTSD on positive symptoms (R2 = 30%). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the indirect effects of maladaptive CERS and global emotion dysregulation on maintaining depressive and positive symptoms. Emotion dysregulation may be a potential transdiagnostic treatment target to alleviate depressive and positive symptoms in traumatized patients with early non-affective psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Liu
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
| | | | - Boon Tat Ng
- Pharmacy Department, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | | | - Rathi Mahendran
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Academic Development Department, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris R Brewin
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Freya Rumball
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Francesca Happé
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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9
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Carr S, Hardy A, Fornells-Ambrojo M. The Trauma and Life Events (TALE) checklist: development of a tool for improving routine screening in people with psychosis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2018; 9:1512265. [PMID: 30220986 PMCID: PMC6136359 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2018.1512265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Best practice guidelines recommend traumatic events should be assessed in psychosis to support the identification and, when indicated, treatment of post-traumatic stress reactions. However, routine assessment in frontline services is rare, and available tools are not tailored to psychosis. Assessment obstacles include lengthy measures, a focus on single, physically threatening events, and the exclusion of psychosis-related traumas. Objective: To develop and validate a brief trauma screening tool for the identification of clinically significant traumas in people with psychosis. Method: The Trauma and Life Events (TALE) checklist was developed in conjunction with people with lived experience of trauma and psychosis, and specialist clinicians and researchers. The psychometric properties (i.e. test-retest reliability, content validity, construct validity) of the TALE were evaluated in a sample of 39 people with psychosis diagnoses. Results: The TALE displayed moderate psychometric acceptability overall, with excellent reliability and convergent validity for sexual abuse. High rates of psychosis-related trauma and childhood adversity were reported, in particular bullying and emotional neglect. A dose-response relationship between cumulative trauma, post-traumatic stress and psychosis was found. Conclusions: The TALE is the first screening tool specifically designed to meet the needs of routine trauma screening in psychosis services. The psychometric limitations highlight the challenge of developing a measure that is both sufficiently brief to be useful in clinical settings and comprehensive enough to identify all relevant adverse events. Validation of the TALE is now required across the spectrum of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Carr
- Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amy Hardy
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.,Psychosis Clinical Academic Group, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Miriam Fornells-Ambrojo
- Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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10
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Brewin CR. Re-experiencing traumatic events in PTSD: new avenues in research on intrusive memories and flashbacks. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2015; 6:27180. [PMID: 25994019 PMCID: PMC4439411 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v6.27180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic flashbacks, consisting of the intrusive re-experiencing of traumatic experiences in the present, have been more clearly defined for the first time in DSM-5 and have been identified as a unique symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder in the proposed ICD-11 diagnostic criteria. Relatively little research into flashbacks has been conducted, however, and new research efforts are required to understand the cognitive and biological basis of this important symptom. In addition, there is considerable scope for research into how flashbacks should be assessed and into flashbacks occurring in different contexts, such as psychosis or intensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris R Brewin
- Clinical Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom;
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