Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder among transition age youth with serious mental health conditions

Objective: There is little information on trauma, PTSD and associated risk factors in transition age youth with mental health conditions. This study aimed at understanding the correlates and predictors of PTSD in transition age youth residing in supported community housing. Methods: Clinical assessment data on 84 transition age youth between the ages of 16 and 21 were analyzed. Chi-square analyses and t-tests were used to compare youth with a diagnosis of PTSD to those without a PTSD diagnosis. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify unique predictors of PTSD. Results: Of the 84 individuals, 79 (94%) reported a history of trauma, of whom 30 (36%) had PTSD. Sexual abuse, female gender, and involvement in the criminal justice system were significantly associated with a PTSD diagnosis. Sexual abuse was the only unique predictor of PTSD. Conclusions: Transition age youth residing in supported community housing demonstrated increased rates of trauma exposure and PTSD compared to the general adolescent population, suggesting the need for routine assessment and treatment of PTSD in this population.