Exposure to “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland influences the clinical presentation of schizophrenia

IntroductionThis study investigates the effect of exposure to “The Troubles” (the period of civil unrest from 1968 onwards) in Northern Ireland on symptomatology in people with schizophrenia.MethodEighty-two participants were assessed on a number of psychiatric rating scales and on measures of trauma, including an instrument designed to assess exposure to “Troubles”-related trauma.ResultsPeople with schizophrenia and a history of exposure to “The Troubles” had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, dissociative symptoms and number of admissions compared to those patients with no such exposure.Discussion“Troubles”-related trauma has a direct effect on the presentation of schizophrenia in Northern Ireland. Specific therapeutic intervention may be required in order to help patients come to terms with their experiences.