title: Dissociative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: relationships with childhood trauma and psychotic symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to examine the stability of dissociative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders as well as relationships between psychotic symptoms, childhood trauma, and dissociation.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred forty-five patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (72% schizophrenia, 67% men) were examined at admission to inpatient treatment and 3 weeks later using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dissociative symptoms significantly decreased over time (mean, 19.2 vs 14.1; P < .001). The best predictor of dissociative symptoms at admission was the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive subscale (F(inc)(3,64) = 3.66, P = .017), whereas childhood sexual abuse best predicted dissociation when patients were stabilized (F(inc)(10,80) = 2.00, P = .044).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dissociative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders are related to childhood trauma. Dissociation seems to be state dependent in this diagnostic group. Moreover, diagnostic interviews, in addition to the Dissociative Experiences Scale, should be considered to avoid measurement artifacts.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. i.schaefer@uke.uni-hamburg.de
authors: Ingo
authors: I
authors: Schäfer
authors: Helen L
authors: HL
authors: Fisher
authors: Volkmar
authors: V
authors: Aderhold
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Huber
authors: Liv
authors: L
authors: Hoffmann-Langer
authors: Dietmar
authors: D
authors: Golks
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Karow
authors: Colin
authors: C
authors: Ross
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Read
authors: Timo
authors: T
authors: Harfst
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054523:Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires