Posttraumatic Stress Disorder In People Research Articles

Posttraumatic stress disorder in people who use drugs: syringe services program utilization, treatment need, and preferences for onsite mental health care

BackgroundSyringe services programs (SSPs) are critical healthcare access points for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) who face treatment utilization barriers. Co-locating care for common psychiatric comorbidities, like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), at SSPs may reduce harms and enhance the health of individuals with OUD. To guide the development of onsite psychiatric care at SSPs, we collected quantitative survey data on the prevalence of PTSD, drug use patterns, treatment experiences associated with a probable PTSD diagnosis, and attitudes regarding onsite PTSD care in a convenience sample of registered SSP clients in New York City.MethodsStudy participants were administered the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5) and asked about sociodemographic characteristics, current drug use, OUD and PTSD treatment histories, and desire for future SSP services using a structured interview. Probable PTSD diagnosis was defined as a PCL-5 score ≥ 31.ResultsOf the 139 participants surveyed, 138 experienced at least one potentially traumatic event and were included in the present analysis. The sample was primarily male (n = 108, 78.3%), of Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity (n = 76, 55.1%), and middle-aged (M = 45.0 years, SD = 10.6). The mean PCL-5 score was 35.2 (SD = 21.0) and 79 participants (57.2%) had a probable PTSD diagnosis. We documented frequent SSP utilization, significant unmet PTSD treatment need, and high interest in onsite PTSD treatment.ConclusionsStudy findings point to the ubiquity of PTSD in people with OUD who visit SSPs, large gaps in PTSD care, and the potential for harm reduction settings like SSPs to reach people underserved by the healthcare system who have co-occurring OUD and PTSD.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in people with dementia: study protocol

ABSTRACT Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is considered an independent risk factor for dementia. Despite the (clinical) evidence that PTSD is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia, studies on its prevalence and clinical manifestation are limited, and their quality is affected by the lack of a structured method to diagnose PTSD in this population. The primary aim of the current study is to validate the ‘TRAuma and DEmentia’ interview as a diagnostic tool for PTSD in people with dementia and to test feasibility of EMDR treatment for people with PTSD and dementia. Methods: This prospective multi-centre study is divided into two parts. In study A, 90 participants with dementia will be included to test the criterion validity, inter-rater reliability and feasibility of the ‘TRAuma and DEmentia’ interview. In study B, 29 participants with dementia and PTSD will receive eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy by a trained psychologist, and 29 participants with dementia and PTSD will be placed on the waiting list control group. Conclusion: This study aims to improve the diagnostic process of PTSD and to assess the effects of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing treatment in people with dementia living in Dutch care facilities. Trial registration: NL70479.068.20 / METC 20-063 / OSF registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AKW4F

Trauma and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder in people with bipolar disorder participating in the Heinz C. Prechter Longitudinal Study

BackgroundIt is estimated that up to 50 % of people with bipolar disorder (BD) also have comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about the presentation and treatment of people with this comorbidity. MethodsData from 577 individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder participating in the Heinz C. Prechter Longitudinal Study of BD were explored at baseline, year two and four. Three trauma groups were created: (i) one trauma (n = 75), (ii) multiple traumas (n = 417), and comorbid PTSD (n = 85). Measures of depression, mania, sleep, number of hospitalisations, suicide attempts, and medication use were analysed using regression modelling to determine differences between the three trauma groups. ResultsThere was an increase in depression, mania, and sleep scores and a higher number of hospitalisations in participants with comorbid PTSD compared to those experiencing one trauma. Additionally, increased mania and depression scores were reported in participants experiencing multiple traumas compared to those with one trauma. There was no difference in medication use between those who experienced one trauma compared to those with comorbid PTSD. LimitationsThe trauma groups may include confounding with more participants experiencing PTSD than reported in this study due to screening processes. Additionally, the severity of trauma was not recorded, therefore number of traumas was utilised as a proxy. ConclusionComorbid BD and PTSD is associated with worse symptom scores compared to participants reporting one trauma. Clinical implications include the addition of trauma-informed care to clinical settings to identify PTSD to provide appropriate treatments.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in People with Long COVID, ME/CFS, and Controls

BackgroundPrevalences of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) have not previously been compared between individuals with long coronavirus disease (COVID) and individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls. For these reasons, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD in individuals with long COVID (n = 21) and ME/CFS (n = 20) and age-matched controls (n = 20). MethodsA case-case-control approach was employed; participants completed the International Trauma Questionnaire, a self-report measure of the International Classification of Diseases of PTSD and CPTSD consisting of 18 items. Scores were calculated for each PTSD and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO) symptom cluster and summed to produce PTSD and DSO scores. PTSD was diagnosed if the criteria for PTSD were met but not DSO, and CPTSD was diagnosed if the criteria for PTSD and DSO were met. Moreover, each cluster of PTSD and DSO were compared among individuals with long COVID, ME/CFS, and healthy controls. ResultsIndividuals with long COVID (PTSD = 5%, CPTSD = 33%) had more prevalence of PTSD and CPTSD than individuals with ME/CFS (PTSD = 0%, CPTSD = 20%) and healthy controls (PTSD = 0%, CPTSD = 0%). PTSD and CPTSD prevalence was greater in individuals with long COVID and ME/CFS than controls. Individuals with long COVID had greater values controls for all PTSD values. Moreover, individuals with long COVID had greater values than controls for all DSO values. Individuals with ME/CFS had greater values than controls for all DSO values. Both long COVID and ME/CFS groups differed in overall symptom scores compared with controls. ConclusionFindings of this study demonstrated that individuals with long COVID generally had more cases of PTSD and CPTSD than individuals with ME/CFS and healthy controls.

French Validation of Two Questionnaires Measuring Posttraumatic Cognitions After Sexual Assault

ABSTRACT People who have been sexually assaulted are at risk of developing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including negative posttraumatic cognitions such as self-blame. Although targeting maladaptive cognitions is an important part of cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD, no validated questionnaire targeting posttraumatic cognitions after a sexual assault is available in French. The aim of this study was to translate the Posttraumatic Maladaptive Beliefs Scale (PMBS) and the Rape Attribution Questionnaire (RAQ) in French, adapt the content of the latter to make it more inclusive of all genders and widen the representation of sexual assault contexts, and document their psychometric qualities in the general population who self-reported having experienced a sexual assault. Participants were 439 adults recruited via e-mails to the members of the Laval University community and postings on social media. They completed online sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, including the PMBS, the RAQ and four questionnaires targeting PTSD symptom severity, posttraumatic cognitions, depression, and anxiety symptoms. The PMBS and the RAQ were completed a second time one week later. The French versions of the questionnaires showed good convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency (PMBS: α between .740 and .868; RAQ: .806 and .901) and test-retest reliability (r between .785 and .833 for the PMBS, .776 and .840 for the RAQ). The French versions of the PMBS and the RAQ are useful instruments to assess posttraumatic cognitions and can be used in clinical and research settings to improve the treatment of PTSD in people who have been sexually assaulted.

Identification of Psycho-Socio-Judicial Trajectories and Factors Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in People Over 15 Years of Age Who Recently Reported Sexual Assault to a Forensic Medical Center: Protocol for a Multicentric Prospective Study Using Mixed Methods and Artificial Intelligence.

Sexual assault (SA) can lead to a range of adverse effects on physical, sexual, and mental health, as well as on one's social life, financial stability, and overall quality of life. However, not all people who experience SA will develop negative functional outcomes. Various risk and protective factors can influence psycho-socio-judicial trajectories. However, how these factors influence trauma adaptation and the onset of early posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not always clear. Guided by an ecological framework, this project has 3 primary objectives: (1) to describe the 1-year psycho-socio-judicial trajectories of individuals recently exposed to SA who sought consultation with a forensic practitioner; (2) to identify predictive factors for the development of PTSD during the initial forensic examination using artificial intelligence; and (3) to explore the perceptions, needs, and experiences of individuals who have been sexually assaulted. This longitudinal multicentric cohort study uses a mixed methods approach. Quantitative cohort data are collected through an initial questionnaire completed by the physician during the first forensic examination and through follow-up telephone questionnaires at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the SA. The questionnaires measure factors associated with PTSD, mental, physical, social, and overall functional outcomes, as well as psycho-socio-judicial trajectories. Cohort participants are recruited through their forensic examination at 1 of the 5 participating centers based in France. Eligible participants are aged 15 or older, have experienced SA in the last 30 days, are fluent in French, and can be reached by phone. Qualitative data are gathered through semistructured interviews with cohort participants, individuals who have experienced SA but are not part of the cohort, and professionals involved in their psycho-socio-judicial care. Bivariate and multivariate analyses will be conducted to examine the associations between each variable and mental, physical, social, and judicial outcomes. Predictive analyses will be performed using multiple prediction algorithms to forecast PTSD. Qualitative data will be integrated with quantitative data to identify psycho-socio-judicial trajectories and enhance the prediction of PTSD. Additionally, data on the perceptions and needs of individuals who have experienced SA will be analyzed independently to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and requirements. This project will collect extensive qualitative and quantitative data that have never been gathered over such an extended period, leading to unprecedented insights into the psycho-socio-judicial trajectories of individuals who have recently experienced SA. It represents the initial phase of developing a functional artificial intelligence tool that forensic practitioners can use to better guide individuals who have recently experienced SA, with the aim of preventing the onset of PTSD. Furthermore, it will contribute to addressing the existing gap in the literature regarding the accessibility and effectiveness of support services for individuals who have experienced SA in Europe. This comprehensive approach, encompassing the entire psycho-socio-judicial continuum and taking into account the viewpoints of SA survivors, will enable the generation of innovative recommendations for enhancing their care across all stages, starting from the initial forensic examination. DERR1-10.2196/46652.

Effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Program in Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in COVID-19

Background: At the close of 2019, the world faced a phenomenon that plunged all human beings into extreme fear and anxiety. A new type of coronavirus began to spread among people across the globe, and this was the beginning of one of the greatest pandemics and its associated problems in the world. People with COVID-19 have low psychological tolerance and are highly exposed to psychological disorders. One of the most important psychological disorders that can harm the mental health of people affected by COVID-19 is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the crisis intervention program in PTSD symptoms among people with COVID-19. Method: This applied experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population consisted of all individuals with COVID-19 in Rasht, Iran, in 2019, of whom 30 people were selected using the available sampling method and were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). The participants in the experimental group received 10 sessions of the crisis intervention program. Mississippi (2006) PTSD analogy (Scale) was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the post-test scores of the experimental and control groups, demonstrating that the crisis intervention program was effective in PTSD (re-experience, withdrawal, numbness, arousal, and masochism) in COVID-19. The subjects in the experimental group had significantly less post-traumatic stress in the post-test group than those in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of crisis intervention programs can reduce PTSD in people with COVID-19. Therefore, it is recommended that psychologists use this therapeutic approach to reduce the psychological problems of people in crisis.

Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in People With a History of Hospitalization With COVID-19 and Its Relationship With Socio-economic Status

Background: COVID-19 has had many negative consequences in all aspects of human life, especially physical and mental health. This study aims to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with a history of hospitalization with COVID-19 and its relationship with socio-economic status (SES). Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional descriptive study and the statistical population of the study included all people with a history of being infected with COVID-19 and subsequent hospitalization in Shohada Hospital of Sarpol-e Zahab, Kermanshah Province, Iran. The sample members were randomly selected from the list of hospitalized patients. A total of 479 people were evaluated face to face using the PTSD Checklist Scale (PCL-S) questionnaire to examine PTSD, as well as the Ghodrat Nama et al.’s SES questionnaire to determine the SES. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 21 and by Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient (P≤0.05). Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 31.10%. No significant relationship was observed between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of PTSD (P=0.97). Among the demographic variables, only gender had a significant relationship with the prevalence of this disorder (P=0.00) and the prevalence was higher in women than in men. Conclusion: The prevalence of PTSD is high in people with a history of hospitalization with COVID-19. Getting infected with COVID-19 and subsequent hospitalization hurts people’s mental health. Maintaining the mental health of this group of people should be considered.

Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in people with dementia: a structured literature review.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with cognitive dysfunctions and is an independent risk factor for dementia. A recent study has found the prevalence of PTSD in people with dementia is 4.7%-7.8%. However, little is known about the effectiveness of PTSD treatment for people with dementia. The primary aim of the current study is to review previous studies on the treatment of PTSD in people with dementia. A structured literature review was performed using a 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' analysis in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Two independent researchers screened titles and abstracts. The inclusion criteria were: PTSD symptoms present, diagnosis of dementia, PTSD treatment form described and effects of the treatment mentioned. Articles that matched these criteria were included and content and quality were analyzed. We included nine articles, all case reports, with a total of 11 cases. The discussed treatment options are eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) (n= 3), prolonged exposure (n= 1), cognitive behavioural therapy (n= 1) and pharmacological treatment (n= 4). All articles reported a positive effect of the intervention on several monitored symptoms. Evidence for positive effects and feasibility of EMDR were most reliable, and it was applied in two articles of sufficient quality published in 2018 and 2019. EMDR 'on-the-spot' was described with positive effect in one article in which three cases were discussed. The quality of included papers ranged from insufficient to sufficient. This review shows that people with PTSD and dementia can benefit from PTSD treatment. EMDR, prolonged exposure, acceptance and commitment therapy and pharmacological treatment are applicable in this population. EMDR treatment is most described in this population (n= 5) and shows positive results, and the studies are of sufficient quality (n= 3). Further research in the form of a randomised controlled trial is required to study the effectivity of different treatment interventions in this population.

Presentation of Trauma Disorder in Adults with Intellectual Disability

Abstract: BackgroundIn the 20 years since a review by McCarthy (2001) on the presentation of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with intellectual disability (ID), the understanding of trauma disorder has increased.Method & FindingsDiagnostic criteria for ID will be presented to set the context. A brief summary of the key literature over the past twenty years will be discussed focusing on the presentation of PTSD in people with ID including the use of ICD-11 criteria. Evaluated tools available to assess the impact of life events and trauma for use in people with ID will be outlined including treatment options. The presentation of trauma disorder will be illustrated through a case study.ConclusionPsychiatrists need to be aware that a history of trauma may be an underlying factor in the presentation of people with ID to psychiatric services.ReferenceMcCarthy J (2001). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in People with Learning Disability. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment; 7, pp. 163-169.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Personality effective factors in reducing PTSD in earthquake in order to develop a structural model in Kermanshah city

Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of determining the role of personality factors in predicting the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in people exposed to trauma. Methods: The current research method was the type of correlation designs and structural equation modeling method. The statistical population in this research included all the earthquake victims of the recent Kermanshah earthquake, whose number is about 21,000 people. According to Morgan's table, 377 people were selected as simple random sampling. The data were obtained using the Mississippi PTSD citizenship scale (Kian et al., 1988) and the five-factor personality questionnaire (Costa & McCree, 1985). In order to describe the research variables, standard deviation, average, skewness and kurtosis indices were used. Frequency and percentage indicators were also reported for demographic characteristics. It should be mentioned that SPSS software was used for descriptive analysis. In the inferential part, in order to test the hypotheses of the research, modeling of structural equations with Amos software was used. Results: The results showed that the components of adaptability, conscientiousness and openness had a negative effect on PTSD, the relationship between adaptability and PTSD was directly equal (t=-3.97 and β=-0.18), the relationship of conscientiousness It is directly equal to PTSD (t=-3.84 and β=-0.17) and the relationship of openness with PTSD is directly equal to (t=-4.49 and β=-0.20). Also, the results show that the neuroticism component had a positive effect on PTSD, the relationship between neuroticism and PTSD is directly equal (t = 9.23, β = 0.41). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the results of the statistical test showed that the fit indices of the research model are in a favorable condition. Also, the components of adaptability, conscientiousness and openness have had a negative effect on PTSD, and the component of neuroticism has had a positive effect on PTSD.

The Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Sleep Quality Disorder Related to the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Patients Referred to the Welfare Organization in Mazandaran Province, Iran, in 2020

Background and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened global health and increased the possibility of anxiety symptoms. The present study aims to investigate the frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after the outbreak of COVID-19 in patients referred to the Mazandaran Welfare Organization in Mazandaran Province, Iran, in 2020. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 255 people enrolled. All participants were evaluated based on calls or in-person visits to the Mazandaran Welfare Counseling Center in Mazandaran Province, Iran, using the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist (PCL-5) with a cut-off point of 33 to diagnose PTSD. Also, the quality of sleep was measured based on the Pittsburg questionnaire. The P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of PTSD in the high-risk population of welfare referees was 40.4% (CI 95%: 34.4 -46.4). The prevalence of PTSD had a significant relationship with the level of education (P=0.03). There was a positive and significant correlation of 30.2% between sleep quality scores and PCL-5 scores (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of PTSD in people who are referred to welfare centers, as well as the availability of most of these individuals, it is possible to reduce the damage to this group by identifying factors related to PTSD and health planning.

The Need for a Diagnostic Instrument to Assess Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in People with Dementia: Findings from a Delphi Study.

Cognitive and behavioral aspects may mask posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with dementia. PTSD severely lowers quality of life in people with dementia. Proper recognition of PTSD is essential to ensure adequate treatment. However, a valid diagnostic tool for PTSD in dementia is lacking. A Delphi study was conducted among 20 Dutch and 6 international experts in the field of PTSD and dementia care or research. The aim was to reach consensus in 3 rounds on the added value, form, content, and application for developing such an instrument. The first round confirmed the need for a new diagnostic tool for research and clinical practice. Consensus was reached on 23 statements regarding the support base and 19 related to content of the instrument. In the third round, opinions on several conceptual problems were gathered. Based on the experts' opinions, a draft version of an instrument, the TRAuma and DEmentia-interview (TRADE-interview), was developed. Clinical and research implications of this new measure are discussed.

The Role and Clinical Correlates of Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in People With Psychosis.

Traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress are highly prevalent in people with psychosis, increasing symptom burden, decreasing quality of life and moderating treatment response. A range of post-traumatic sequelae have been found to mediate the relationship between trauma and psychotic experiences, including the “traditional” symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The International Classification of Diseases-11th Edition recognizes a more complex post-traumatic presentation, complex PTSD (cPTSD), which captures both the characteristic symptoms of PTSD alongside more pervasive post-traumatic sequelae known as ‘disturbances in self-organization’ (DSOs). The prevalence and impact of cPTSD and DSOs in psychosis remains to be explored. In the first study of this kind, 144 participants with psychosis recruited from North West United Kingdom mental health services completed measures assessing trauma, PTSD and cPTSD symptoms and symptoms of psychosis. Forty-percent of the sample met criteria for cPTSD, compared to 10% who met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. PTSD and DSOs mediated the relationship between trauma and positive symptoms, controlling for dataset membership. Both PTSD and DSOs mediated the relationship between trauma and affective symptoms but did not explain a significant proportion of variance in negative symptoms. Cognitive and excitative symptoms of psychosis did not correlate with trauma, PTSD or DSO scores. These findings indicate the possible value of adjunct therapies to manage cPTSD symptoms in people with psychosis, pending replication in larger epidemiological samples and longitudinal studies.

Interventions to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in vulnerably housed populations and trauma-informed care: a scoping review

ObjectivesThe goals of this study are to identify and analyse interventions that aim to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD in people who are vulnerably housed and to...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in People with Visual Impairment Compared with the General Population.

Background: People with a visual impairment appear to have an increased risk of experiencing potentially traumatizing life events and possibly also subsequently developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the point prevalence of PTSD in people with a visual impairment compared with the general population of Norway and examined factors associated with PTSD among people with a visual impairment. Methods: A telephone-based survey was administered to a probability sample of 1216 adults with a visual impairment. Of these, 736 (61% response rate) participated. A probability sample from the general population served as a reference (n = 1792, 36% response rate). PTSD was measured with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5), based on the currently most bothersome event reported from the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5). We used the DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines to categorize participants as fulfilling the PTSD symptom criteria or not. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was higher among people with a visual impairment than in the general population, both for men (9.0% vs. 3.8%) and women (13.9% vs. 8.5%). The prevalence rates of PTSD from the illness or injury that had caused the vision loss (men 3.9%, women 2.2%) accounted for a considerable part of the difference between the populations. For women, PTSD related to sexual assaults also contributed significantly to a higher PTSD prevalence in the visually impaired versus the general population (5.2% vs. 2.2%), while for men there were no other event categories which resulted in significant differences. Among people with a visual impairment, the higher risk of PTSD was associated with lower age, female gender, having acquired the vision loss, and having other impairments in addition to the vision loss. Conclusion: The higher prevalence of PTSD in people with a visual impairment suggests that vulnerability to mental health problems is associated with serious life events. The higher incidence than in the general population is partly due to the illness or injury that had led to the vision loss and partly due to people with vision loss appearing to be more vulnerable through exposure to other types of potentially traumatizing events, such as sexual abuse.

A culturally adapted brief intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder in people with\xa0severe mental illness in Botswana: protocol for a randomised feasibility trial

BackgroundResearch consistently reports elevated rates of exposure to traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with severe mental illness (SMI). PTSD may be adequately managed with psychotherapy; however, there is a gap when it comes to management in culturally diverse settings like Botswana. This paper describes a study protocol whose aim is to culturally adapt the BREATHE intervention, a brief psychological intervention for people living with comorbid PTSD and SMI that was developed and tested in the USA; assess the feasibility and acceptability of the adapted BREATHE intervention and explore its efficacy.MethodsThe study will be conducted in three phases using a mixed methods approach. The first phase will identify and describe the most common traumatic experiences and responses to traumatic experiences, amongst patients with SMI, and patients’ and mental health care providers’ perceptions about suitable PTSD interventions for Botswana. The second phase will entail cultural adaption of the intervention using findings from phase 1, and the third phase will be a pilot trial to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the culturally adapted intervention and explore its efficacy. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed using basic descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively.DiscussionLiterature highlights cultural variations in the expression and management of mental illness suggesting the need for culturally adapted interventions. The findings of this feasibility study will be used to inform the design of a larger trial to assess the efficacy of an adapted brief intervention for PTSD in patients with SMI in Botswana.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT04426448. Date of registration: June 7, 2020.

Mental Health and the Symptoms of PTSD in People with Depression and Anxiety Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The purpose of this study was to examine the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic in people with no diagnosis of mental illness, as well as in people who were diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Moreover, this study aimed to investigate the interplay between PTSD symptoms and self-assessed mental health associated with well-being. The 210 participants were divided into 3 groups: mentally healthy, participants with diagnosed depression, and participants with anxiety disorders. To evaluate the subjective well-being of the participants, the Polish adaptation of the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC–SF) was applied. The Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to measure the severity of PTSD symptoms. At least a moderate worsening of PTSD symptoms was observed in participants of all groups. The results were as follows: healthy participants M = 37.35 (SD = 18.46); participants with depression M = 36.05 (SD = 18.02); participants with anxiety M = 44.52 (SD = 18.08). The participants diagnosed with depression showed the lowest level of mental well-being M = 41.58 (SD = 15.02). Conclusion: People diagnosed with depression had both the lowest level of well-being and the lowest severity of symptoms specific to PTSD. In all three groups, lower emotional well-being was linked to greater PTSD symptoms.

Prevalence and correlates of PTSD in first episode psychosis: Findings from the RAISE-ETP study.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young individuals is associated with an increased risk to develop psychosis or mania, and both trauma and PTSD rates are elevated in people with schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses. However, less research has examined PTSD in people who have recently developed a first episode of psychosis (FEP). The present study is a secondary analysis of the baseline data collected for the National Institute of Mental Health Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode-Early Treatment Program (RAISE-ETP) study to examine the rates of trauma and PTSD, and to explore the demographic and clinical correlates of PTSD in a representative sample of 404 persons with an FEP. Approximately 80% of the study sample reported experiencing at least one traumatic event during their lives, with females more likely to report childhood sexual abuse and spousal abuse than males. A total of 20 participants (5.0%) met criteria for a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD, while another 15 participants (3.7%) met subthreshold diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Significant correlations were found between lifetime PTSD and the Calgary Depression Scale, the Mental Health Recovery Measure, the Stigma Scale, and duration of untreated psychosis, with higher scores on each variable associated with a diagnosis of PTSD. The association between PTSD and more severe depression, as well as lower perceptions of personal recovery, suggest that PTSD may be an important target for treatment programs for persons recovering from an FEP. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Post-traumatic stress disorder after first-episode psychosis

IntroductionA psychotic episode may be sufficiently traumatic to induce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which could impact outcomes in first-episode psychosis (FEP). Yet, post-traumatic stress disorder is often left untreated and undiagnosed in the presence of psychosis.ObjectivesTo conduct a short review of literature on the prevalence and impact of PTSD after FEP.MethodsWe performed a literature search on PUBMED, using the query: “Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic” [Mesh] AND “first episode” AND “psychosis”. We focused on data from systematic reviews, clinical trials and meta-analysis published on last 10 years, either in English or Portuguese.ResultsApproximately one in two people experience PTSD symptoms and one in three experience full PTSD, following a FEP. Prevalence may be higher in affective psychosis, inpatient samples and patients previously suffering from depression and anxiety. PTSD Symptom Scale – Self-Report (PSS-SR) can be a useful screening instrument, but there is no established evidence-based intervention for PTSD in people with FEP. Coercive intervention such as involuntary hospitalization, seclusion, restraint or being forced to take medication, as well as being around sick or anxious patients, can be upsetting and traumatizing.ConclusionsOur data showed high rates of psychosis-related PTSD. To prevent PTSD, conditions of hospitalization should be optimized and the use of coercive treatments should be limited. Subjects with recent-onset psychosis should be screened for PTSD symptoms. Evidence-based interventions to treat PTSD symptoms in the context of FEP are needed to address this burden and improve outcomes.