Examining vulnerability to involuntary memories in schizophrenia comorbid with post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

The current study explored whether individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and a high level of PTSD symptoms experience more frequent neutral intrusive memories than individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia with low level PTSD symptoms. Results supported a vulnerability to neutral intrusive memories within the comorbid group, which did not seem to be related to psychotic symptom severity. It is possible that a subgroup of psychotic individuals processes information in a manner that make them susceptible to frequent intrusive memories, characteristic of a PTSD presentation. A longitudinal study is required to specify the development of this vulnerability so as to inform future interventions.

Keywords: Cognitive model; Intrusions; Involuntary memory; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Schizophrenia.