Postpsychotic PTSD Reactions

Abstract

This paper provides an extensive literature review of postpsychotic PTSD reactions as well as a brief discussion of the relationships between psychosis, trauma, and PTSD. The empirical research suggests that involuntary vs. voluntary hospitalization status, number of hospitalizations, age, gender, and severity of psychosis have no relationship to postpsychotic PTSD and that there is no relationship between PTSD symptomatology and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. However, five of the six empirical studies conducted have reported that between 35 and 67% of their samples meet criteria for PTSD due to psychosis and/or hospitalization, suggesting that the experience of psychosis and/or hospitalization may lead to PTSD-type symptoms. Recent studies also suggest that overall distress caused by psychosis and/or hospitalization is a major factor in developing postpsychotic PTSD. Several treatment strategies for postpsychotic PTSD are discussed along with proposed treatment implications from the empirical literature. Directions for future research are also discussed.

Recognizing Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Individuals With Psychotic Disorders

“…After traumatic experiences unrelated to the symptoms and treatment of psychosis have been explored with clients, a second major component of addressing PTSD symptoms is examining incidents of psychosis as traumatic experiences. Counselors should be aware of the extent to which distressing episodes of psychosis may affect their clients (Gliko, ; Lu et al, ; Mueser et al, ). The trauma experienced as part of these psychotic events can be broken down into two categories: trauma related to the symptoms of psychosis and traumatic treatment experiences (Lu et al, ; McGorry et al, ; Mueser et al, ).…”