Prevalence of PTSD in psychosis and at-risk mental states
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in service users with psychosis and at-risk mental states for psychosis
IRAS ID
200521
Contact name
Stan Zammit
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
AWP R&D
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
There is increasing recognition that, for some individuals, traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse may play an important role in causing psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia. A substantial majority of individuals with schizophrenia, and those considered to be at high risk of developing psychosis, report a history of a traumatic experience, particularly interpersonal violence, during their lifetime. Furthermore, a few studies suggest that approximately 40% of individuals with schizophrenia also meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on screening. \n\nFor some individuals with psychosis it is therefore plausible that the primary aetiological mechanism underlying the onset and maintenance of their psychotic experiences is one driven by unprocessed memories from early traumatic experiences, as indexed by co-morbid PTSD. \n\nThe presence of co-occurring PTSD is not usually a focus for treatment for people with psychosis in routine clinical settings. However, as symptoms of PTSD are associated with greater impairment of functioning and a poorer prognosis for schizophrenia, this is potentially a missed opportunity to improve outcomes for patients with psychotic disorders and at high risk of developing psychosis. \n\nWe aim to examine how common traumatic experiences are, and the frequency of unresolved PTSD in service users with psychotic disorders, and those at high risk of developing psychosis within AWP. This data will inform a research grant application to conduct a randomised controlled trial of trauma-focused psychological treatments in this patient group.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0126
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion