ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the effect of exposure to "The Troubles" (the period of civil unrest from 1968 onwards) in Northern Ireland on symptomatology in people with schizophrenia. METHOD: Eighty-two participants were assessed on a number of psychiatric rating scales and on measures of trauma, including an instrument designed to assess exposure to "Troubles"-related trauma. RESULTS: People with schizophrenia and a history of exposure to "The Troubles" had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, dissociative symptoms and number of admissions compared to those patients with no such exposure. DISCUSSION: "Troubles"-related trauma has a direct effect on the presentation of schizophrenia in Northern Ireland. Specific therapeutic intervention may be required in order to help patients come to terms with their experiences.