Dissociative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: relationships with childhood trauma and psychotic symptoms.

Objective: This study sought to examine the stability of dissociative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders as well as relationships between psychotic symptoms, childhood trauma, and dissociation.

Method: One hundred forty-five patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (72% schizophrenia, 67% men) were examined at admission to inpatient treatment and 3 weeks later using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale.

Results: Dissociative symptoms significantly decreased over time (mean, 19.