There has been very little research into psychiatric nursing and the psychological implications for individuals employed in the field. In the psychiatric milieu assaults, by clients, against staff and other clients are not uncommon. Furthermore, psychiatric nurses are often encounter frequent vicarious trauma through the course of daily interactions with clients. The purpose of the current study was to examine variables affecting the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in psychiatric nurses in Saskatchewan. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPI), two sub-scales of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), and an open ended questionnaire and demographic sheet were mailed out to 600 psychiatric nurses in Saskatchewan. A cut off of 212 responses were used in the data analysis. Results indicate that many psychiatric nurses (48%) reported experiencing a traumatic event in the workplace. The overall incidence of PTSD (24.53%) found in this sample was twice the rate expected in normal community-based samples. Incidence of depression were also increased (25%). Statistical analysis suggests that variables related to increased PTSD are: lower quality of life both in and out of the workplace, lack of employer support, and higher levels of neuroticism.

Most people will spend a large portion of their lives in the workplace. Unfortunately, some work settings perpetuate an unhealthy environment and have a greater likelihood, than others, of contributing to stress, depression and post-traumatic stress. The American Psychiatric Association (1994) has defined post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) as being caused by witnessing or experiencing an event that involves actual or threatened death in relation to self or others, combined with personal fear or helplessness. Afterwards, the victim may reexperience the event, exhibit avoidance behaviors, and show signs of increased arousal (i.e., irritability, sleep problems, hypervigilance). Depression is an affective disorder characterized by depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure and may include insomnia or hypersomnia, weight loss or gain, diminished concentration, and fatigue (American Psychiatric Association, 1994).