Childhood trauma and psychosis: Review of the evidence and directions for psychological interventions

Abstract

There is controversy over whether childhood trauma (CT) is a causal risk factor for psychosis. The aim of this study was to provide psychologists with a brief overview of the research into relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis and directions for psychological interventions. It details six of the highest quality studies in the area and tentatively concludes from these that there is evidence for a relationship between CT and psychosis. Hallucinations and delusions have been implicated as important factors in the relationship between CT and psychotic disorder and these are discussed, along with post-traumatic intrusions and schemas, which have been conceptualised as part of the psychological mechanisms whereby CT confers a risk for psychosis. The development of psychological interventions for people with psychosis who have experienced CT is in its infancy but has been based on evidence-based cognitive behavioural interventions in psychosis and post-traumatic stress disorder. A formulation-based approach is described in this paper, along with a case study.

Key words:

• Child maltreatment
• childhood trauma
• psychosis
• schizophrenia
• treatment

Acknowledgement

Colonial Foundation.