ABSTRACT
Multiple studies of people with severe mental illness (SMI) have found elevated levels of trauma exposure, and of problems related to being traumatized. Several models have been put forth to account for these observed relationships. First, because there is abundant evidence that stress can precipitate psychotic episodes, negative life events have long been thought to act as stressors that contribute to an underlying vulnerability to psychosis. Second, SMI may increase the likelihood of trauma exposure through associated correlates like homelessness and substance abuse. Third, a pre-existing psychiatric condition may increase vulnerability to the emergence or chronicity of posttraumatic symptoms following exposure. Research to date supports the likely contribution of these, and other possible mechanisms, linking trauma exposure, SMI and PTSD.
