Ethnoracial Minority Background, Psychological Trauma, PTSD, and DESNOS Among Urban Low-Income Women with Severe Mental Illness

ABSTRACT Psychological trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent among adults with severe mental illness. A sample of 38 women in intensive community mental health services was assessed with psychometrically validated structured interview measures. Exposure to multiple types of psychological traumas was reported by 95% of respondents; almost half (44%) met criteria for current PTSD, and an equal number met criteria for Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS). Another 40% did not meet criteria for either PTSD or DESNOS. Women of color were less likely than White women to meet criteria for PTSD. Although no specific type of psychological trauma was particularly associated with PTSD, sexual and medical trauma were strongly and consistently associated with DESNOS. Among women of color, domestic violence and traumatic loss due to drunk driving fatalities were particularly prevalent. Income was generally low but not associated with risk of trauma exposure or either PTSD or DESNOS. Implications for trauma-informed services for women with severe mental illness are discussed.