A systematic review and meta-analysis of the traumatogenic phenotype hypothesis of psychosis
2024

Traumatogenic Phenotype Hypothesis of Psychosis

Sample size: 13150 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Onyeama Franca, Melegkovits Eirini, Yu Nicole, Parvez Ameerah, Rodrigues Artur, Billings Jo, Kelleher Ian, Cannon Mary, Bloomfield Michael A. P.

Primary Institution: University College London, UK

Hypothesis

Is there a distinct 'traumatogenic' phenotype of psychosis in individuals with developmental trauma histories?

Conclusion

Developmental trauma is associated with more severe positive symptoms and qualitative differences in symptom expression in psychosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Developmental trauma is linked to a twofold increase in the likelihood of developing psychosis.
  • Adults with psychosis and a history of developmental trauma have greater symptom persistence and severity.
  • Developmental trauma was associated with greater neurocognitive deficits and poorer affect regulation.

Takeaway

People who have experienced trauma as children may have more severe symptoms of psychosis, especially positive symptoms like hallucinations.

Methodology

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing psychotic presentations between adults with and without developmental trauma histories.

Potential Biases

Potential recall bias due to retrospective measurement of developmental trauma.

Limitations

Most studies were cross-sectional, limiting causal inferences, and many did not assess PTSD, which could influence findings.

Participant Demographics

Adults with and without histories of developmental trauma, including various genders and ethnicities.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.002

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.10–0.44

Statistical Significance

p=0.002

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1192/bjo.2024.52

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