title: Aggression and trauma experiences among carer-relatives of people with psychosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Exposure to aggression and associated psychological outcomes are poorly characterised among carer-relatives of people with psychosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Carer-relatives (N = 106) completed questionnaires assessing socio-demographics and perceived prevalence of aggression in their caring role in the last 12 months. Carers exposed to moderate-severe levels of aggression were re-approached to assess PTSD and coping strategies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most respondents (77.4%) reported experiencing moderate-severe levels of aggression. Increased contact with (M = 15.12 vs. M = 6.71 days per month), and significantly higher ratings of affective, antisocial, negative and psychotic symptomology in affected relatives were associated with experiences of moderate-severe aggression. Approximately half of the moderate-severe respondents reported potentially significant levels of PTSD (52%, N = 34), which was associated with greater exposure to verbal aggression and increased usage of coping strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comparable ratios of physical to non-physical aggression to those reported by professional carers working in acute psychiatric treatment settings were reported. Carer-relatives require greater levels of information and support to assist them in their community caring roles.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, Hunter New England Mental Health, The University of Newcastle, PO Box 833, Newcastle, NSW 2300, Australia. Carmel.Loughland@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: Carmel M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Loughland
authors.forename: Gali
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Mick
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: Terry J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Lewin
authors.forename: Nico E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Oud
authors.forename: Vaughan J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Carr