Trauma exposure, PTSD and psychotic-like symptoms in post-conflict Timor Leste: an epidemiological survey

• Main Authors: Soosay Ian, Silove Derrick, Bateman-Steel Catherine, Steel Zachary, Bebbington Paul, Jones Peter B, Chey Tien, Ivancic Lorraine, Marnane Claire
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-12-01
• Series: BMC Psychiatry
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/12/229

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Studies in developed countries indicate that psychotic-like symptoms are prevalent in the community and are related to trauma exposure and PTSD. No comparable studies have been undertaken in low-income, post-conflict countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychotic-like symptoms in conflict-affected Timor Leste and to examine whether symptoms were associated with trauma and PTSD.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The Psychosis Screening Questionnaire and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (assessing trauma exposure and PTSD) were administered in an epidemiological survey of 1245 adults (response rate 80.6%) in a rural and an urban setting in Timor Leste. We defined PSQ screen-positive cases as those people reporting at least one psychotic-like symptom (paranoia, hallucinations, strange experiences, thought interference, hypomania).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of PSQ screen-positive cases was 12 percent and these persons were more disabled. PSQ cases were more likely to reside in the urban area, experienced higher levels of trauma exposure and a greater prevalence of PTSD. PTSD only partially mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and psychotic-like symptoms.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Psychotic-like symptoms may be prevalent in countries exposed to mass conflict. The cultural and contextual meaning of psychotic-like symptoms requires further inquiry in low-income, post-conflict settings such as Timor Leste.</p>