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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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Open Access 01-08-2017 | Original Article

Emotional Processing in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Authors: Laura K. Kemmis, Shamil Wanigaratne, Kimberly A. Ehntholt

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Previous research has shown that individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have emotional processing difficulties. However, no studies have specifically investigated the role of emotional processing in those with co-morbid SUD-PTSD. This study investigated whether there are more emotional processing abnormalities among patients with SUD-PTSD, than those with either a single diagnosis of PTSD or SUD. Emotional processing was assessed in three groups [1) SUD (without PTSD); 2) PTSD (without SUD); and 3) co-morbid SUD-PTSD] using the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS-25) and the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). Each of the three groups reported evidence of emotional processing dysfunction relative to the normal population. Within the SUD-PTSD group there was significant evidence that the additional impact of trauma increased emotional processing dysfunction but less evidence to suggest that substance use increased emotional processing dysfunction further. These findings call into question current United Kingdom guidelines for the treatment of co-morbid SUD-PTSD, which recommend that the drug or alcohol problem should be treated first.

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Title: Emotional Processing in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Laura K. Kemmis
Shamil Wanigaratne
Kimberly A. Ehntholt
Publication date: 01-08-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-016-9727-6

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