Distress, Psychotic Symptom Exacerbation, and Relief in Reaction to Talking about Trauma in the Context of Beneficial Trauma Therapy: Perspectives from Young People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and First Episode Psychosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Of young people with first episode psychosis (FEP), over half report exposure to childhood trauma and consequent co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or symptoms. Currently no evidence-based interventions exist for PTSD in FEP. Clinicians report concerns that trauma-focused interventions with young people with FEP could result in distress and symptom exacerbation. Scant research suggests that talking about trauma in therapy can be distressing for some people.AIMS: To explore young people's reactions to a trauma-focused treatment for PTSD in FEP.METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants (age 18-27 years) with co-morbid PTSD and FEP, after..