Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-exists with depression and alcohol use disorders, with the impact of this comorbidity being researched as either PTSD with depression or PTSD with alcohol. Participants (N=221) were recruited from a study that offered treatment for depression and alcohol use problems. These participants were assessed for trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms and PTSD in order to determine their prevalence and characteristics in a depressed and alcohol use population. Preliminary results about the relationship between trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, PTSD with depression and drinking will also be covered.

Background
Kylie Bailey is a clinical psychologist who has clinically worked in the addiction field for ten years. Kylie is currently teaching addiction and health promotion for the University of Newcastle and is enrolled as a PhD student. Kylie will be presenting results from the first study of her PhD that is investigating PTSD comorbidity.