Underdiagnosing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a State Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Prior research has found that individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), such as severe mood disorders and psychotic disorders, tend to have higher rates of trauma. The purpose of the present study was to assess the prevalence rates of diagnosed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a sample of forensic psychiatric patients. It was hypothesized that true rates of PTSD may be underrepresented due to the primary focus of treatment in this setting being the treatment of SMI. Recommendations are provided for increasing diagnostic accuracy and improving trauma-informed care.