Trauma and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder in individuals with schizophrenia and substance abuse

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of trauma and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in dual diagnosis patients and whether the trauma was related to the patient's behavior or illness.

Method: One hundred ten patients with schizophrenia and comorbid substance or alcohol abuse were assessed for PTSD using self-report and structured interview. Traumatic events were classified as independent or dependent upon the patient's behavior, illness, or symptoms.

Results: One hundred patients (91%) reported at least 1 trauma (mean, 4.3). Sixty-three patients (57%) reported a traumatic event that met modified-criterion A for PTSD. Thirty-one patients (28%) met criteria for full PTSD, and 18 (16%) had a trauma directly related to their illness. Patients with PTSD had significantly higher scores on positive psychotic symptoms and depression.

Conclusions: Exposures to traumatic events and comorbid PTSD are high but are inflated by reactions to illness-related events such as hospitalization and psychotic symptoms.