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Objective: To evaluate the relationships between perceived stigma and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), demographic characteristics, and clinical and psychosocial functioning in persons with a first episode of psychosis (FEP). Method: A total of 399 participants with FEP presenting for treatment at 34 sites in 21 states throughout the United States were evaluated using standardized instruments to assess diagnosis, symptoms, psychosocial functioning, perceived stigma, wellbeing, and subjective recovery. Results: Perceived stigma was correlated with a range of demographic and clinical variables, including DUP, symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and subjective experience. After controlling for symptom severity, perceived stigma was related to longer DUP, schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, more severe depression, and lower wellbeing and recovery. The associations between stigma and depression, wellbeing, and recovery were stronger in individuals with long than short DUP, suggesting the effects of stigma on psychological functioning may be cumulative over the period of untreated psychosis. Conclusion: The findings suggest that independent of symptom severity, perceived stigma may contribute to delay in seeking treatment for FEP, and this delay may amplify the deleterious effects of stigma on psychological functioning. The results point to the importance of reducing DUP and validating interventions targeting the psychological effects of stigma in people with FEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between sleep difficulties and drinking motives in female rape victims with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seventy-four participants were assessed for PTSD symptoms, depression, sleep difficulties, and drinking motives. Results demonstrated that neither PTSD symptoms nor depression were related to any motives for using alcohol. On the other hand, after controlling for education, sleep difficulties were significantly related to drinking motives for coping with negative affect, but not pleasure enhancement or socialization. The findings suggest that sleep difficulties may be an important factor contributing to alcohol use in rape victims with PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the article "Schizophrenia patients with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have different mood symptom levels but same cognitive functioning," by D. E. Peleikis, and colleagues. He states that schizophrenia patients are likely to have trauma in their lifetime. An overview of PTSD, and its relation to mental illnesses is offered. The author adds that the article serves as a reminder of the consequences of trauma in mentally ill people.