The prevalence of traumatic exposure and PTSD has been widely studied in general population samples and in specific trauma-exposure groups. Comparatively little research has been done on the lifetime rate of trauma exposure and PTSD in severe mental illness, and on the risk factors in this population. In this study, we examine trauma and PTSD in 300 individuals in the Suffolk County Mental Health Project. To increase reliability, the UM-CIDI interview module together with multiple sources of information were reviewed, and consensus ratings of exposure were derived. In this first-admission sample, 70% had been exposed to at least one traumatic event, the most common being physical attack or assault, witnessing injury or death, and physical abuse in childhood. Rate of exposure did not differ by gender. Eighteen percent of the entire sample and 29% of the trauma-exposed sample met criteria for PTSD. Rates of exposure and PTSD did not vary by diagnosis. Significant risk factors for exposure included lifetime substance abuse and family history of substance abuse, while gender and exposure severity were significant risk factors for PTSD in the trauma subsample. These findings highlight the multiple psychosocial adversities experienced by individuals with severe mental illness and suggest that clinicians address these sensitive issues rather than focus only on the psychotic or affective symptoms which dominate the current clinical picture.
Learning Objectives: Understanding trauma in psychiatric disorders Assessment of trauma in mental illness
Keywords: Psychiatric Epidemiology, Stress
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.