Trauma and resistance to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia: A narrative review

Psychiatry Res. 2022 Mar:309:114392. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114392. Epub 2022 Jan 10.

Abstract

This review explored whether trauma exposure is associated with poorer response to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia patients. A systematic search identified eight studies, of which five reported an association between trauma and non-remission of psychotic symptoms (n = 4) or treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS, n = 1). Although evidence supporting the link between trauma and resistance to antipsychotic treatment is scarce, trauma history should be systematically investigated in all persons with TRS, as there is a growing body of evidence showing that schizophrenia patients benefit from therapies for post-traumatic symptoms.

Keywords: Antipsychotic response; Trauma; Treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antipsychotic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Psychotic Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Schizophrenia* / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents