Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among patients with substance use disorder: it is higher than clinicians think it is

Objectives: This study had three objectives. Firstly, the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma exposure was compared between individuals with and without substance use disorder (SUD). Secondly, we compared self-rating of PTSD and clinical judgement. Thirdly, an analysis of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nele Gielen, Remco C. Havermans, Mignon Tekelenburg, Anita Jansen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2012-08-01
Series:European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.eurojnlofpsychotraumatol.net/index.php/ejpt/article/view/17734/pdf_1
Description
Summary:Objectives: This study had three objectives. Firstly, the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma exposure was compared between individuals with and without substance use disorder (SUD). Secondly, we compared self-rating of PTSD and clinical judgement. Thirdly, an analysis of the characteristics of SUD/PTSD patients was performed. Methods: The sample consisted of 423 patients with SUD and 206 healthy controls. All individuals were screened on PTSD using the self-rating inventory for PTSD. Results: Significantly higher numbers of PTSD and trauma exposure were found in the SUD group (resp. 36.6 and 97.4%). PTSD went frequently unnoticed when relying on clinical judgement alone. Patients with SUD/PTSD were significantly more often unemployed and had a lower educational level. Axis I comorbidity and especially depressive disorders were more common in the SUD/PTSD group. Conclusion: It is concluded that patients with SUD/PTSD are a substantial and vulnerable subgroup in addiction treatment facilities and that a systematic screening for PTSD is required.
ISSN:2000-8066