Links between trauma and psychosis (Review)

Abstract

The relationship between trauma and psychosis is complex and multifaceted, with evidence suggesting that trauma can be both a risk factor for the development of psychosis and a consequence of psychotic experiences. The present review aimed to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on the relationship between trauma and psychosis, including historical and conceptual considerations, as well as epidemiological evidence. The potential explanation of the link between trauma and psychosis is provided through available models and similarities in their neurobiological associations. Overall, the research confirms the relationship between trauma and psychosis, and suggests that individuals with a co-occurring history of trauma and psychosis may have increased symptom severity and worse functional outcomes compared with individuals with psychosis alone. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying causal pathways between trauma exposure and psychosis in order to inform effective treatment approaches aiming to prevent the intensification of psychotic symptoms and processes.

Keywords: adverse experiences; childhood trauma; neurobiological associations; psychotic-like experiences; schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Figure 1

Overview of models explaining the link between trauma and psychosis. Evidence presented in the current review is summarized, highlighting the implication of diverse yet interrelated neurobiological and psychosocial pathways in the propagation of psychotic-like symptoms and psychosis in patients with a history of trauma or serious adverse childhood experiences. The figure was created with BioRender (https://biorender.com). IQ, intelligence quotient.