Studies indicate a high prevalence of traumatic life experiences in the life histories of people with severe mental illnesses such as psychosis. High rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have also been found within these groups. Conversely, psychotic symptoms such as auditory hallucinations have been identified in cases of chronic PTSD suggesting a significant overlap between psychotic spectrum disorders and trauma disorders. To date however, few studies exist investigating the specific link between the onset and content of auditory hallucinations and traumatic life events. A dominant cognitive model within the clinical literature suggests that voices are intrusive thoughts that are misattributed to an external source because they are ego-dystonic. The content of intrusive voices may originate from traumatic life experiences that result in the formation of dysfunctional core beliefs. Examination of the compatibility of this account with cognitive models of PTSD, suggests the conceptualisation of a second account of voices where voices occur as flashbacks resulting from unresolved trauma. The current study aimed to investigate the link between trauma and voices by developing a method to collect in-depth qualitative data from a clinical sample of voice hearers diagnosed with psychotic spectrum disorders. A combined narrative and IPA approach was employed to guide data collection and analysis of five subjective accounts of voice and trauma experiences. Case vignettes were constructed based on clinical history, trauma history and voice content of participants and the data investigated for evidence of the two models of voices across accounts. Findings support both conceptual models, identifying a clear link between the onset and thematic content of voices and trauma. They also highlight the importance of taking a dual approach to treatment of psychotic symptoms and PTSD. The study also emphasises the need to collect data within a iii. therapeutic relationship in order to address the ethical and professional issues inherent in this area of research.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-116).

This study focused on trauma and seeked to demonstrate that the application of a Buberian understanding to the experience of trauma can help shed light on the impact of trauma on a sufferer's life. The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the impact of trauma on interpersonal relationships as well as to determine components of psychotherapy found most helpful in the recovering process.

This investigation examined the association between Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; American Psychological Association, 1994) symptoms as measured by the Children’s PTSD Inventory (CPTSDI; Saigh, 2003a) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 3rd Edition (WISC-III; Wechsler, 1991) scores of 78 traumatized children (mean age = 13.42 years, SD = 2.68 years). Child diagnostic interviews determined that the participants did not have major comorbid disorders and were not taking medications that could influence cognitive functioning. Significant inverse correlations were observed between the different symptom CPTSDI clusters and the WISC-III Verbal indices. Moreover, with the exception of the WISC-III Block Design subtest, nonsignificant correlations were observed between the WISC-III Performance measures and the CPTSDI symptom clusters. Theoretical and clinical implications are considered.

This study focused on trauma and seeked to demonstrate that the application of a Buberian understanding to the experience of trauma can help shed light on the impact of trauma on a sufferer's life. The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the impact of trauma on interpersonal relationships as well as to determine components of psychotherapy found most helpful in the recovering process.

Sexual assault is a wide public health problem given the number of people who are sexually assaulted. Sexual assault affects the psychological well being of people who experience it.The most common reported psychological problems are PTSD and depressive symptoms especially after four to six weeks post sexual assault.These Co morbid disorders affect the normal functioning of an individual such home chores, work and increase mortality rate among sexual assaulted survivors. It was also documented that coping strategies (maladaptive or adaptive) employed by sexual assaulted survivors are the one that determine their recovery.Hence, there was a need to investigate the correlation between coping strategies, the level of PTSD and the level of depression in Ngaka Modiri Molema in the North West Province of South Africa. The study aimed to investigate correlation between coping strategies and the levels of PTSD and depression among sexual assaulted survivors. Correlational cross-sectional design was used in this study.Sample size of 115 of sexually assaulted participants between the age of 18 and 50 was determined through the use of Raosoft calculator. PCL for PTSD, BDI and brief COPE instruments were used to collect data. Information about socio demographic was also obtained.Data analysis was done through frequency distribution to describe the demographic data, levels of PTSD and depression.Data were also analysed through Pearson correlations to determine the possible relationship between coping, PTSD and depressive symptoms. ANOVA, chi-square, cross tabulation were also done to determine the possible relationship between demographic data, level of PTSD and depression. Results showed high level of PTSD and low level of depression among sexual assaulted survivors.They have also showed that there is no relationship between coping strategies and PTSD, and that there was a relationship between coping and depressive symptoms.These findings indicate that coping strategies cannot be regarded as one the factors that can control the non-development and development of PTSD, but could be regarded as one the factors that can account to development and non development of depression. / Thesis (M Cur) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2013

Background: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently linked with substance use disorder (SUD). However, the nature of this association remains unclear. A clearer understanding of the dynamic associations between PTSD and SUD may shed light on the course of these two disorders thereby, identifying areas for intervention, which may potentially reduce some of the associated costly and harmful outcomes. Methods: Firstly, a systematic review was conducted to investigate the evidence base regarding the relationship between PTSD and SUD. Secondly, an empirical project was undertaken to explore functional associations between PTSD and SUD. This was achieved by comparing, motives for substance use, anxiety and depression symptoms, and SUD symptom severity amongst treatmentseeking adults with and without PTSD. Results: Results from the systematic review suggest that individuals with comorbid PTSD and SUD have more severe clinical profiles compared to individuals with a SUD alone. The results from the empirical study indicate that those with PTSD endorse coping-related motives for substance use significantly more than those without PTSD. Furthermore, those with PTSD had significantly elevated SUD severity ratings and higher anxiety and depression scores. Conclusions: Findings suggest that individuals with comorbid PTSD and SUD are motivated to use substances to cope with negative affect. The clinical implications of this are discussed.

published_or_final_version / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

The purpose of this study was to investigate post-traumatic stress disorder among Guatemalan and Salvadoran refugees living in Tucson, Arizona. The questions that guided the study were: (1) Does post-traumatic stress disorder exist among Central American refugees living in Tucson? (2) If so, how does it manifest itself in this population? (3) What counseling or other therapeutic interventions may be helpful for Central Americans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder? Six Guatemalan and Salvadoran refugees who had reportedly experienced major stressors participated in a semi-structured interview and responded to a health questionnaire based upon post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Findings indicate that five out of six participants were experiencing patterns of stress-induced symptoms which were consistent with a DSM III diagnosis of "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder". Recommendations for intervention with Central American individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder are presented.

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