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. 2012:3.
doi: 10.3402/ejpt.v3i0.17734. Epub 2012 Aug 8.

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

Nele Gielen  1 , Remco C Havermans, Mignon Tekelenburg, Anita Jansen
Affiliations

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

Nele Gielen et al. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2012.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: clinical judgment; post-traumatic stress disorder; prevalence; substance use disorder; trauma exposure.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart inclusion participants.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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