Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in adults with psychiatric disorders

Objective: This study explores unrecognised symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals with a range of psychiatric disorders in the absence of traumatic events. We also examine the association between PTSD symptoms, social interaction with peers and therapeutic alliance with mental health professionals. Method: A purposive sample of 120 adults consecutively referred to the psychology department from September 2008 to September 2010 was included in this study. We used the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2) to ascertain the presence of PTSD symptoms, social interaction levels and treatment alliance with health professionals. Results: Individuals previously undiagnosed with PTSD, referred without any noted traumatic event had high levels of symptoms related to PTSD, as measured by the PK scale of the MMPI-2. The PK scale was significantly correlated with several MMPI-2 clinical scales, the Social Introversion Scale (Si) and the Treatment Alliance Scale (TRT) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the presence of symptoms related to PTSD in individuals with a range of psychiatric disorders despite the absence of reported trauma. The presence of symptoms related to PTSD may be associated with an indirect negative impact on social contacts and a poorer therapeutic alliance with mental health professionals. Investigating symptoms of PTSD during a psychological assessment even when trauma is not the presenting complaint is merited in most cases.