The Need to Take a Trauma History in the Acute Psychiatry Inpatient Setting

Abstract:

Title: The Critical Role of Trauma History in Understanding and Treating Mental Illness in Psychiatric Inpatient Settings

Keywords: Trauma History, Mental Illness, Psychiatric Inpatient Care, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Functional Somatic Disorders, Psychological Trauma, Acute Trauma, Mental Health Treatment, Trauma-Informed Care, Patient-Centered Approach

Content:

This abstract discusses the vital importance of taking a comprehensive trauma history in psychiatric inpatient settings, a practice often neglected due to concerns about re-traumatizing patients. The article presents compelling evidence that a significant proportion (approximately 81%) of psychiatric inpatients have experienced physical and/or sexual trauma. It illustrates this point through the case of Sarah, a middle-aged woman with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) whose symptoms, including severe somatic complaints, were intricately linked to a history of trauma, including recent physical abuse. The case underscores the often-overlooked connections between psychological trauma and functional somatic disorders, highlighting how Sarah's difficulties in swallowing and breathing were related to her experience of being choked. This example emphasizes the necessity of sensitively exploring trauma history to fully comprehend a patient's mental health issues and to provide effective and appropriate treatment. By spotlighting the critical role of trauma history in psychiatric care, the article advocates for a more trauma-informed, patient-centered approach in mental health treatment, especially within inpatient settings.