Exposure to trauma and the clinical presentation of first-episode psychosis in South Africa

J Psychiatr Res. 2011 Feb;45(2):179-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.05.014. Epub 2010 Jun 8.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between a history of traumatic experiences and the clinical features of first-episode psychosis (FEP).

Method: We tested associations between trauma variables and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), age of onset (AO), PANSS-rated positive and negative symptoms and depressive symptoms (Calgary Depression Scale) in a sample of 54 FEP patients.

Results: Mean DUP was 34.4 weeks, while mean AO was 24.7 years. Witnessing a seriously violent assault (49%) was associated with high positive symptoms (p = 0.002), while a significant personal experience of racism and discrimination (39%) was associated with high depressive (p = 0.042) symptoms. Previous sexual assault (44% of females) was associated with high positive (p = 0.028) and negative (p = 0.035) symptoms with a trend association with depressive symptoms (p = 0.092).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that previous traumatic experience is associated with positive and affective symptoms in FEP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / etiology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • South Africa / epidemiology
  • Wounds and Injuries / complications*
  • Wounds and Injuries / psychology
  • Young Adult