Positive Symptoms of Psychosis and International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Network Analysis in a Canadian Sample from Montreal: Symptômes positifs de psychose et trouble de stress post

ObjectivesTraumatic experiences constitute a risk factor for developing different psychopathologies, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), and positive symptoms of psychosis. However, on the symptom level, it is still unclear how CPTSD and positive symptoms of psychosis associate with each other. The present study aimed to shed light on these dynamics by investigating the symptoms network of CPTSD and positive symptoms of psychosis.MethodsA network analysis was performed on CPTSD and psychosis symptoms among a Canadian community sample with a history of traumatic life events (<i>n</i> = 747). Measures included the international trauma questionnaire and the mPRIME screen.ResultsIn total, 4.8% of the sample reached the criteria of probable PTSD and 7% fulfilled the criteria of probable CPTSD. PTSD and CPTSD groups had a significantly higher severity of positive symptoms of psychosis compared to the no-disorder group. Network analysis revealed 3 distinct communities of symptoms of PTSD, disturbances in self-organization, and psychosis. Affective dysregulation served as the bridging symptom between the communities. Hearing one's own thoughts aloud was the most central symptom in the network.ConclusionsFindings show that positive symptoms of psychosis can be considered trauma-related responses. Furthermore, interventions targeting affective dysregulation as well as the experience and distress associated with hearing one's own thoughts aloud may contribute to symptom reduction and improved functioning.