Abstract
The prevalence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma exposure was compared between individuals with and without Substance Use Disorder (SUD). This study examined whether clinicians diagnosed PTSD in SUD patients without using a questionnaire. Finally, an analysis was made of the characteristics of SUD/PTSD patients. The sample consisted of 423 SUD patients and 206 control participants. All individuals were screened on PTSD using the Self Rating Inventory for PTSD. Significant higher numbers of PTSD and trauma exposure were found in the SUD group (resp. 36.9% and 97%). PTSD went frequently unnoticed when no standardised questionnaire was used. SUD/PTSD patients were significantly more often unemployed and had a lower educational level. Axis I comorbidity and especially depressive disorders were more common in the SUD/PTSD group. It is concluded that SUD/PTSD patients are a substantial and vulnerable subgroup in addiction treatment facilities and that systematically screening for PTSD is required.
Published Version
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