Applications of Trauma Treatment for Schizophrenia

Abstract

Because of the high rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in individuals with psychotic disorders, there has been increasing emphasis on incorporating trauma treatment into comprehensive care for schizophrenia. Yet, despite heightened awareness of the need, limited information has been provided specifying an effective approach tailored to this population. Significant advances in trauma treatment have been made in recent years that can provide a general framework for guiding such interventions for individuals with schizophrenia. This article provides a brief review of the relationship between trauma and schizophrenia and offers a heuristic view of applications of current trauma treatment to psychotherapy for schizophrenia.

KEYWORDS:

• psychosis
• psychotherapy for schizophrenia
• PTSD
• trauma treatment and schizophrenia