La fenomenología de la comorbilidad del trauma y la psicosis

Abstract

Throughout this article we have attempted to show how psychotic disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not such distinct or apart entities, on the contrary they frequently come together and overlap. A lot of research has indicated that the vital prevalence of PTSD in severe mental illness is quite superior to that of the general population. Some authors has concluded that some people with psychotic symptoms develop
PTSD due to their own psychotic experience. During many years researches have focused on the relation of trauma with non psychotic syndromes. Nonetheless, in recent years a great interest has been raised on how trauma might precipitate the onset of psychosis. Moreover, there is empirical evidence that points out to the existence of PTSD subtype with psychotic symptomatology. Finally, Morrison, Frame y Larkin (2003) proposed that
psychosis as well as PTSD represent a continuum of responses of an individual exposed to a traumatic event. The similarities among both disorders indicate that they could form part of a spectrum of post-traumatic responses. However, it is necessary to ascertain why trauma produces a type of symptom or the other. Consequently, the aim of the article is to
examine the nature of the different relations between psychosis and trauma. Additionally, it is to recommend earnestly the introduction of specific protocols and routine inquiries to detect and treat sexual and physical abuse for persons with psychotic disorders.