A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research finds the strongest association between a history of childhood trauma and the risk of violence in adults with psychotic disorders is for people with a history of sexual abuse. A cumulative effect of trauma in general on risk for violence in psychosis was also found. “There are implications for applying models of violence to psychosis, risk assessment and treatment of people with psychotic disorders as well as informing trauma models and protective factors for children in conflict-affected regions,” the study concludes.
Bosqui, T., Shannon, C., Tiernan, B., Beattie, N., et al; Childhood trauma and the risk of violence in adulthood in a population with a psychotic illness. Journal of Psychiatric Research. Online March 19, 2014. doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.03.011