Childhood abuse and the content of delusions

O.J. Mason, E. Brett, M. Collinge, H. Curr, J. Rhodes

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    8 Citations (Scopus)
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    Abstract

    We aimed to investigate possible associations between histories of childhood abuse and the content of delusions for individuals with psychotic disorders. 39 participants with a psychotic disorder including one or more delusional beliefs successfully completed structured interviews about childhood trauma, delusional beliefs and associated anomalous perceptual experiences including hallucinations. The presence of hallucinations was predicted by greater physical abuse. Greater abuse in general was associated with delusions involving ‘special abilities’ (grandiosity) and, at trend levels, with those involving ‘defective self’. Though preliminary, these results suggest that further investigation is warranted. The presence and nature of abuse may be relevant to delusional presentations and should form an essential part of clinical assessment of psychotic disorder.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)205-208
    JournalChild Abuse & Neglect
    Volume33
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

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