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Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Trauma and dissociation among prisoners.
Gamze Akyüz1, Nesim Kuğu, Vedat Sar
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
|May 25, 2007
Summary
Childhood abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent in male prisoners. High rates of dissociative experiences, including amnesia and absorption, were also observed, impacting treatment and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Childhood abuse and trauma are recognized risk factors for mental health conditions.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders are frequently associated with trauma exposure.
- Prison populations often exhibit higher rates of trauma-related disorders compared to the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of childhood abuse, dissociation, and PTSD in a sample of male prisoners.
- To identify specific dissociative symptoms experienced by this population.
- To understand the implications of these findings for prisoner management and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 101 randomly selected male prisoners was interviewed.
- The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) was used to assess dissociative experiences.
- The Childhood Abuse and Neglect Questionnaire (CANQ) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) PTSD module were administered.
Main Results:
- A high frequency of criterion A trauma (85.2%) and lifetime PTSD (66.4%) was reported by participants.
- Dissociative experiences were more frequent than in the general population.
- The most common dissociative symptoms were amnesia and absorption.
Conclusions:
- Childhood trauma and PTSD are highly prevalent among male prisoners.
- The high rates of dissociation suggest a significant need for specialized mental health interventions.
- Findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed care in correctional facilities.
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