Latent class analysis of trauma, PTSD, addictive behaviours and mental health concerns

Background: Experiences of trauma are often associated with mental health problems and addictive behaviours, which commonly co-occur and result in poor treatment outcomes. Yet, we have little understanding of how these comorbid symptoms are likely to present for treatment. Objective: To better understand addiction, trauma and mental health profiles. Method: Latent class analyses were conducted with 149 (60% female, M age = 39.83, SD = 10.40) individuals who had sought alcohol and other drug treatment. Key measures included a Trauma and PTSD screen (PC-PTSD-5), the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test, Problem Gambling Severity Index, Gaming Addictions Scale, Problematic Pornography Use Scale. Results: Of the total sample, 72.5% had experienced a trauma and 51.4% met the screening cut-off for PTSD. The LCA indicated a 3-class solution. Class one (n = 65) comprised of individuals with moderate-high alcohol and tobacco use and a trauma history; class two (n = 69) comprised of individuals with moderate-high alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use, with likely PTSD, and moderate-high anxiety and depression; Class 3 (n = 15) comprised of individuals with moderate high alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, amphetamines and sedative use, and moderate-high problem gambling. Conclusions: A history of trauma or current PTSD was present in two of the three classes. People with positive PTSD screens had multiple substance use and mental health concerns, highlighting the need for a trauma focus in substance use settings. Traumas experienced within this population will be explored and implications of the latent classes will be discussed.