Prevalence of Traumatic Events and PTSD in Immigrant and Non-immigrant Patients With Psychotic Disorder

Prevalence of Traumatic Events and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Immigrant and Non-immigrant Patients With Psychotic Disorder

Higher rates of psychosis are described in migrant population. Likewise, this populations could suffer several adversities during migration process that could lead to higher exposure to traumatic events and higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is a growing evidence that trauma is associated with psychosis onset.

The aim of this research is to study the association between psychosis and traumatic events exposure/PTSD in immigrant population. Our hypothesis is that the higher incidence of psychosis described in immigrant population is associated to higher trauma exposure.

A case-control observational study is performed. Patients who presented at least one psychotic episode are recruited from acute and chronic units at "Parc Salut Mar" (Barcelona). Estimated total sample is 196 individuals. Trauma exposure is assessed by validated trauma scales. Known factors associated with psychosis are controled during the statistic analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• To present history of one or more psychotic episodes defined according to DSM-5 criteria, including patients with diagnoses of Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder and non-specific psychotic disorders.
• Patients of non-local origins who have undergone a migration process along the life line (as case individuals) and autochthonous patients (as control individuals).
• Age between 18 and 65 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have not clinical stability.
• Important cognitive limitations to understand informed consent nor applied questionnaires.
• Language barrier that limits understanding informed consent nor applied questionnaires.