Researchers have found out a link between childhood trauma and schizophrenia that could open new paths of treatment for people diagnosed with the disorder. According to a report in March 2018, they have found out that childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse is associated with severe hallucinations, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. The study, published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin gains significance as clinicians have for long theorised about the association between childhood trauma and hallucinations and delusions.
The findings suggest that hallucinations in those with psychotic disorders were associated with all types of childhood trauma. The meta-analysis, which analysed 29 studies on childhood trauma and psychotic symptoms, also found that childhood sexual abuse was associated with delusions. This discovery is seen as a crucial first step in developing tailored, sensitive and effective treatments for trauma-based psychotic symptoms which include detachment from reality, hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, and lack of motivation or emotion.
Treatment for trauma in psychosis have generally focused on post-traumatic stress disorder rather than specific symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. The new research is expected to help refine treatments for patients with psychotic disorders as well as empower young patients. This link has offered hope of treatment especially for people with schizophrenia.