Nosological implications of psychotic symptoms in patients with established posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Chan, Angelina Oi Mei; Silove, Derrick
Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 34, Number 3, JUNE 2000 , pp. 522-525(4)
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
Key:
- Free Content
- New Content
- Subscribed Content
- Free Trial Content
Abstract:
Objective: We describe three patients with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who later developed psychotic symptoms. The nosological implications are discussed. Clinical picture: All three patients had no prior history of psychotic illness. The content of the psychotic symptoms was restricted to core features of the traumatic experiences which initially led to PTSD. Treatment: The patients received low-dose antipsychotic medications in addition to other treatments for PTSD and/or depression. Outcome: All three patients developed severe extrapyramidal side effects, particularly akathisia, and discontinued drug treatment. Conclusion: Psychotic symptoms occasionally can complicate chronic PTSD, but uncertainty remains about their aetiology and nosological status.Keywords: delusion; hallucination; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1614.2000.00723.x
Key:
- Free Content
- New Content
- Subscribed Content
- Free Trial Content

Click here for Page Help