Childhood trauma in schizophrenia spectrum disorders as compared to substance abuse disorders. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mørkved, Nina; Winje, Dagfinn; Dovran, Anders; Arefjord, Kjersti; Johnsen, Erik; Kroken, Rune Andreas; Anda-Ågotnes, Liss-Gøril; Thimm, Jens C.; Sinkeviciute, Igne; Rettenbacher, Maria; Løberg, Else-Marie
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 261(2018)
• Page Start: 481
• Page End: 487
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Psychotic disorders -- Schizophrenia -- Substance-related disorders -- Adult survivors of childhood trauma -- Childhood maltreatment; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.01.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: The prevalence of childhood trauma (CT) in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and substance abuse disorders (SUDs) is high. Direct comparisons of CT in these disorders are lacking, and it is not known whether there are differences in self-reported CT in SSDs as compared to SUDs. We aimed to compare the frequency, severity and types of CT in SDDs and SUDs. Patients with SSDs ( n = 57) and SUDs ( n = 57) were matched for age and gender. Overall levels of CT and CT subtypes were measured retrospectively by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short-Form (CTQ-SF), and grouped into none/low and moderate/severe levels of CT. Group differences in CTQ-SF sum score and subscale scores, as well as differences in the severity of overall CT and CT subtypes were all non-significant. In both groups, 64.9% reported ≥ 1 subtypes of CT above cut-off. Of those who reported CT above the cut-off, 13.5% in the psychosis group reported ≥ 4 subtypes, as compared to 2.7% in the substance abuse group. We did not find statistically significant differences between SSDs and SUDs in terms of exposure to CT frequency or severity, all effect sizes were small ( r < 0.15). Highlights: Patients with SSDs and patients with SUDs frequently reported exposure to severe CT. No significant differences between SSDs and SUDs in terms of CT types/severity. The results underscore the importance of inquiring about CT in clinical assessments. CT may influence the development and treatment focus in both of these disorders.