Correlations among childhood adversity, substance use, and illness severity in patients with schizophrenia spectrum...

This study examined the associations among childhood adversity (CA), substance use disorder (SUD), and illness severity in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Interior British Columbia, Canada. A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for 332 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Data extracted included CA status, SUD status, demographic characteristics, and symptom severity assessment scores. Childhood adversity was reported by 50% of patients, with females more likely than males to report CA. Concurrent SUD was highly prevalent (62%), with males more likely than females to have SUD. CA was significantly associated with SUD, and SUD was significantly associated with PANSS Negative and PANSS General subscale scores. While CA was not associated with psychotic symptom severity, patients with SUD exhibited less severe negative and general symptoms. Overall, CA and SUD were common among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Significant sex differences were observed, with females more likely to report CA and males more likely to have SUD. The strong association between CA and SUD highlights the importance of assessing both adverse childhood experiences and substance use in this population.