Recorded Rates of Trauma‐Exposure in a Retrospective Epidemiologically Complete First‐Episode Psychosis Cohort

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundTrauma plays an important role in the development and maintenance of psychosis. However, it is still under‐examined in daily clinical practice. The current study investigated the rates of recording of trauma‐exposure in the clinical histories of a first‐episode psychosis (FEP) cohort attending an early intervention psychosis service.MethodsThis study used a retrospective chart review methodology in a 6‐year epidemiologically complete FEP cohort attending an early intervention psychosis service. The Trauma and Life Events Checklist was used to define the rate and types of trauma‐exposure reported in clinical histories. The relationships were examined between recorded trauma‐exposure and positive and negative symptoms, depression and duration of untreated psychosis at first assessment.ResultsTrauma‐exposure was frequently recorded within clinical histories. Childhood trauma‐exposure was recorded in 47.4% of the sample, which is lower than may be expected. No significant relationships between the recorded trauma‐exposure and symptom measures were found. A significant relationship was found between interpersonal stressors and positive symptoms, and work‐related stress and negative symptoms, highlighting the importance of proximal stressful life events.DiscussionThis study found that clinicians were frequently recording trauma‐exposure in daily practice. However, it was unclear whether the recording of trauma‐exposure highlighted led to systematic diagnosis, assessment or treatment of trauma for people with psychosis. The importance of treatment and service planning to include information about trauma‐exposure is discussed.