Identification of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adult Patients With Substance Use Disorders

Between 61% and 81% of men and 51% to 74% of women are exposed to a traumatic event in their lifetime. These events may be brief and discrete, prolonged and/or recurrent, and may be direct or indirect. Direct or indirect exposure to traumatic events can lead to serious negative psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). People exposed to complex traumatic events are at risk not only of suffering from PTSD or Complex PTSD, but also from other mental health co-morbidities, such as substance use disorders (drugs, alcohol, benzodiazepine misuse) , often associated with the repetition of situations of interpersonal violence from which it is difficult, if not impossible, to escape. Caring for people suffering from psychological trauma is a major public health issue. However, there are no good clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, assessment and treatment, which would enable good practice to be standardised and disseminated. The prevention, detection, early support and appropriate guidance of people suffering from post-traumatic sequelae promote their recovery and improve their quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to this as psychological distress, and points out that if it is not properly identified or accompanied, it can tip a person into illness or increase social difficulties. When it is temporary and follows a stressful event, it is considered a normal adaptive reaction. On the other hand, when it becomes intense and persistent, it may be an indicator of a psychological disorder. The public health challenge associated with PTSD is to better recognise, diagnose and treat it, as it can have serious consequences for the quality of life, social functioning and suicide risk of those affected. The aim of this study is to show that early identification of PTSD and CPTSD would increase recognition of these disorders and facilitate diagnosis, referral and recovery. It would also make it possible to provide individualised support for patients and improve their quality of life.