The mediating role of early maladaptive schemas on relations between post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity and illicit substance use disorder

Background: This study examines the role of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) on relations between Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and illicit substance use. Objectives: We assumed that EMS play a mediating role in the pathways from PTSD symptom severity to illicit substance use. Method: We used the composite score from the Addiction Severity Index to assess illicit substance use severity, the PTSD Checklist Specific to determine PTSD symptom severity, and the Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form, Second Edition to measure the number of hyperactivated EMS. The sample consisted of 35 patients receiving social and medical care for illicit substance use problems in three French drug centers. Results: The results showed that the number of hyperactivated EMS is an intermediate variable playing a mediating role between PTSD symptom severity and illicit substance use. Results indicating full mediation. Conclusion. Future research perspectives on this question are discussed as well as the clinical repercussions of these results on the current models of management of illicit drug users.