ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to address to the dearth of research into the phenomenology of recovery among young people exposed to trauma. METHOD: Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, we analyzed Internet forum data to consider how young people experience recovery from trauma. RESULTS: Five domains of recovery were identified: meaningful shifts in the sense of self, gaining control and autonomy, establishing hope and commitment, making meaning out of tragedy, and engaging in normative activities and connecting with others. Participants described the experience of recovery as an ongoing, nonlinear and dialectical process that was not synonymous with cure and often took place in the context of supportive relationships. CONCLUSIONS: While the broad themes of recovery align with those derived from adult literature, the accounts diverge with respect to the content within the domains themselves. The findings suggest that services oriented to trauma-exposed young people need to bolster these internal processes of change, while also attending to their specific developmental needs and capacities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Subject(s)
Adverse Childhood Experiences/psychology , Narration , Social Media , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychology , Survivors/psychology , Violence/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Identification, Psychological , Internationality , Internet , Male , Posttraumatic Growth, Psychological , Qualitative Research , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Substance use is common in first-episode psychosis, and complicates the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. The differentiation of substance-induced psychotic disorders (SIPD) from primary psychotic disorders (PPD) is particularly challenging. This cross-sectional study compares the clinical, substance use and functional characteristics of substance using first episode psychosis patients diagnosed with a SIPD and PPD. METHOD: Participants were 61 young people (15-24 years) admitted to a psychiatric inpatient service with first episode psychosis, reporting substance use in the past month. Diagnosis was determined using the Psychiatric Research Interview for DSM-IV Substance and Mental disorders (PRISM-IV). Measures of clinical (severity of psychotic symptoms, level of insight, history of trauma), substance use (frequency/quantity, severity) and social and occupational functioning were also administered. RESULTS: The PRISM-IV differentially diagnosed 56% of first episode patients with a SIPD and 44% with a PPD. Those with a SIPD had higher rates of substance use and disorders, higher levels of insight, were more likely to have a forensic and trauma history and had more severe hostility and anxious symptoms than those with a PPD. Logistic regression analysis indicated a family history of psychosis, trauma history and current cannabis dependence were the strongest predictors of a SIPD. Almost 80% of diagnostic predictions of a SIPD were accurate using this model. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical profile of SIPD could help to facilitate the accurate diagnosis and treatment of SIPD versus PPD in young people with first episode psychosis admitted to an inpatient psychiatric service.
