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Violence, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder among women drug users

Journal of Traumatic Stress volume 6, pages 533–543 (1993)Cite this article

Abstract

In order to examine the association between the experience of violent events, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder among women drug users, 105 women in treatment for addictive disorders were interviewed. One hundred four of the study participants reported trauma in 1 or more of 14 categories of traumatic events, 59% of whom reported symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder. Among those with PTSD, 97% reported one or more violent traumas as compared with 73% of those without PTSD. The likelihood of PTSD was strongly associated with the number of violent traumas reported by a woman. Women in recovery from drug addiction are likely to have a history of violent trauma and are at high risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Screening for PTSD among women with an addictive disorder should become part of the diagnostic and treatment routine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 10032, New York, New York

    Mindy Thompson Fullilove, Robert E. Fullilove III, Karen Winkler, Calvin Michael, Paula G. Panzer & Rodrick Wallace

  2. Department of Socio-Medical Sciences, Columbia University School of Public Health, 10032, New York, New York

    Mindy Thompson Fullilove & Robert E. Fullilove III

  3. Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Substance Abuse Division, Bronx, New York

    Michael Smith

Authors
  1. Mindy Thompson Fullilove
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  2. Robert E. Fullilove III
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  3. Michael Smith
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  4. Karen Winkler
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  5. Calvin Michael
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  6. Paula G. Panzer
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  7. Rodrick Wallace
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Fullilove, M.T., Fullilove, R.E., Smith, M. et al. Violence, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder among women drug users. J Trauma Stress 6, 533–543 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00974321

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00974321

Key Words

  • violent events
  • trauma
  • post-traumatic stress disorder