Lifetime Adversity Among Individuals With Early Phase Psychosis and Comorbid Substance Misuse

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Adverse events and substance misuse are common in early phase psychosis but rarely studied together.
• Existing research often overlooks illness-related adverse events, focusing mainly on childhood abuse.
• Understanding the overlap is crucial for a comprehensive view of adversity in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the co-occurrence of adverse events and substance misuse in individuals with early phase psychosis.
• To examine the frequency of the three-way overlap between early phase psychosis, adverse events, and substance misuse.
• To explore participants' desire to disclose their experiences and seek professional help.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 110 individuals aged 16-35 years diagnosed with early phase psychosis.
• Data collected included substance misuse patterns, lifetime adverse events, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
• Disclosure of adverse events and interest in professional support were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Nearly all participants (97.2%) reported at least one adverse event, with an average of 8 lifetime events.
• Substance misuse was prevalent (67%), commonly involving alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco.
• A significant overlap of 66.4% was found between early phase psychosis, substance misuse, and adverse events. Over 22% met criteria for probable PTSD.

Conclusions:

• Adverse events and substance misuse are highly prevalent and commonly co-occur in early phase psychosis.
• These findings underscore the clinical importance of assessing both adverse events and substance misuse concurrently.
• Integrated assessment and treatment approaches are recommended for this population.