Psychiatric Bulletin (2009) 33: 257-260. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.108.019554
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Substance use disorders and psychological trauma

Shaheen Shora, Specialist Registrar

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield

Elizabeth Stone, Associate Specialist

New House Drug and Alcohol Unit, Shelton Hospital, Shrewsbury

Keron Fletcher, Consultant Addictions Psychiatrist

*New House Drug and Alcohol Unit, Shelton Hospital, Shrewsbury SY3 8DN, email: keron.fletcher{at}sssft.nhs.uk

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

The Impact of Events Scale was administered to 104 in-patients detoxing from alcohol or opiates to determine the prevalence of psychological trauma, the severity of its symptoms and the types of trauma responsible for symptoms.

RESULTS

Out of the 104 in-patients undergoing detoxification, 75 had symptoms of psychological trauma; in 60 patients the symptoms were in the treatable range. Patients with alcohol-dependence were more severely affected. ‘Life events’ traumatised a higher proportion of individuals than ‘traumatic events’.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Psychological trauma requiring treatment is commonly found in substance misusers. This is rarely addressed despite the cormorbid disorder running a complicated clinical course. There are conflicting opinions about best practice, but consideration should be given to providing patients with accessible treatments for psychological trauma.