Childhood trauma types in relation to antipsychotic effectiveness in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A prospective, pragmatic, randomized controlled study

Psychiatry Res. 2024 Nov:341:116169. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116169. Epub 2024 Aug 31.

Abstract

Treatment with antipsychotics (APs) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) is generally effective, however, a significant proportion does not respond favorably. Childhood trauma (CT) subtypes (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, physical and emotional neglect) could influence treatment effectiveness; however, research is scarce. Heterogeneity in AP response could be explained by differentiating by CT subtype. The present study was based on the Bergen-Stavanger-Trondheim-Innsbruck (BeSt InTro) study. CTQ-SF assessed CT subtypes in SSDs (n = 98). CT subtypes were examined in relation to psychosis symptoms measured by PANSS during one year of treatment with APs, by means of linear mixed effects (LME) models. Results were significant for CT subtypes, where increased levels of sexual abuse and physical neglect were associated with increased mean levels of psychosis symptoms throughout the course of treatment from baseline to 52 weeks. AP effectiveness may thus be influenced by CT subtype in SSDs. The results support clinical guidelines recommending a focus on assessment and treatment of trauma in SSDs.

Keywords: Antipsychotic medication; Childhood adversity; Psychopharmacology; Psychosis; Treatment outcomes.

Publication types

  • Pragmatic Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences / statistics & numerical data
  • Antipsychotic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia* / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents