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Bendall S, Eastwood O, Spelman T, McGorry P, Hickie I, Yung AR, Amminger P, Wood SJ, Pantelis C, Purcell R, Phillips L. Childhood trauma is prevalent and associated with co-occurring depression, anxiety, mania and psychosis in young people attending Australian youth mental health services. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2023; 57:1518-1526. [PMID: 37243364 DOI: 10.1177/00048674231177223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood trauma is common and associated with mental ill health. While high rates of trauma are observed across individual disorders, there is evidence that trauma is associated with an admixture of affective, anxiety and psychotic symptoms in adults. Given that early onset of mental disorder and trauma exposure herald poor outcomes, it is important to examine trauma prevalence rates in youth mental health services and to determine whether this trauma-related clustering is present in help-seeking young people. METHODS We used data from the Transitions Study, a longitudinal investigation of young people attending headspace youth mental health services in Australia between January 2011 and August 2012. Participants were 775 young people aged 12-25. Childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Multinomial regression was used to assess whether reported childhood trauma was more strongly associated with the co-occurrence of depression, anxiety, mania and psychosis symptoms than with any one in isolation. RESULTS Approximately 84% of participants reported some form of abuse (emotional: 68%; physical: 32%; sexual: 22%) or neglect (emotional: 65%; physical: 46%). Exposure to multiple trauma types was common. Childhood trauma was significantly associated with each symptom domain. More severe childhood trauma was more strongly associated with the co-occurrence of symptoms than with any one symptom domain in isolation, such that more severely trauma-exposed young people were more likely to experience increased symptom clustering. CONCLUSIONS Childhood trauma is pervasive in youth mental health services and associated with a symptom profile that cuts across traditional diagnostic boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Oliver Eastwood
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim Spelman
- Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrick McGorry
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian Hickie
- Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison R Yung
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul Amminger
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Wood
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Western Sunshine Hospital, NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rosemary Purcell
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Phillips
- Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Onsjö M, Strand J, Axberg U. Children subjected to family violence: A retrospective study of experiences of trauma-focused treatment. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023:13591045231169147. [PMID: 37050855 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231169147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse childhood experiences is a risk factor for the development of serious psychiatric and somatic illness. Although trauma-focused therapy is effective in reducing symptoms, not all children benefit from it. To improve treatment efficacy, the children's perspective on what they perceive as helpful versus hindering is necessary. This study aimed, retrospectively, to explore how children exposed to family violence experienced treatment at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Seventeen children and youths were interviewed 4-5 years after treatment. The thematic analysis resulted in five themes: confusion, the need to feel heard, fear of consequences, feelings of pain, and identifying oneself as an agent. The results emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and that trust, genuine interest, and reciprocity are necessary for the child to engage in treatment. However, neither the child's own agency nor external obstacles such as continuous exposure to abuse should be underestimated in terms of the child's engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Onsjö
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Strand
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulf Axberg
- Faculty of Social Studies, Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
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Dryden‐Mead T, Nelson B, Bendall S. "They may be confronting but they are good questions to be asking" young people's experiences of completing a trauma and PTSD screening tool in an early psychosis program. Psychol Psychother 2022; 95:1090-1107. [PMID: 35942544 PMCID: PMC9804455 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a history of inadequate enquiry about, and assessment of, trauma in young people within Early Psychosis services and even when screening does occur there is little known about how young people experience this process. AIMS This study aimed to explore young people's experiences of completing a trauma and PTSD screening tool when receiving a service in an Early Psychosis Program. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 young people, aged 18-24 years, to explore their subjective experience of this process. Transcripts were analysed via interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Four super-ordinate themes were identified: (i) an emotional experience, (ii) the importance of the relationship with the clinician, (iii) an opportunity to reflect on past experiences, and (iv) the ability to be able to provide honest responses. Results from this study indicated that young people expected to be asked about their trauma experiences, acknowledged that this was challenging for them but found that this was made easier due to the relationship they had built with the clinician, the timing of the screening and also, possibly, by the written style format of the questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS Young people in this study accepted the need for screening for traumatic histories, and expected to be asked about their traumatic experiences, despite the possibility of a short-term increase in distress. The support offered by a trusted clinician, whom the young person had built a relationship with, appeared to be an important component to the willingness and the ability of the young person to complete the questionnaires. This reinforces the fact that screening for trauma in an early psychosis service can be conducted in a way that is safe and acceptable to young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Dryden‐Mead
- Centre for Youth Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Barnaby Nelson
- Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and Centre for Youth Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and Centre for Youth Mental HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
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4
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Hunter LD. Second-Line Parades: A Trauma-Informed Response to Grief. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221085471. [PMID: 35377257 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221085471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
New Orleans is no stranger to trauma. The Crescent City has a vast history of environmental calamities and oppression. Yet, New Orleans is renowned for its "joie de vivre"-or "love of life." Specifically, this community is known for its unique practice of second-line parades. Researchers have noted the healing power of second-line processions, but none have analyzed the practice and psychology of this ritual through a trauma-informed lens. The aim of this conceptual paper is to begin the conversation, rather than deliver hard fast conclusions, on the potential therapeutic function of second-line parades in response to grief. Relevant literature is presented to illustrate second-line parades, trauma theory, and to provide evidence that the therapeutic effects of second-lining may, in part, be explained by trauma theory. This paper concludes with remarks on conceptualizing the second-line funeral as a sophisticated trauma-informed approach to grief and a note for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D Hunter
- Tulane Center for Aging, 5783Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Schollar-Root O, Cassar J, Peach N, Cobham VE, Milne B, Barrett E, Back SE, Bendall S, Perrin S, Brady K, Ross J, Teesson M, Kihas I, Dobinson KA, Mills KL. Integrated Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy for Traumatic Stress and Substance Use: Two Adolescent Case Studies. Clin Case Stud 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/15346501211046054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) occur frequently as comorbid diagnoses among adolescents. Historically, these conditions have been treated using a sequential model; however, emerging evidence suggests that an integrated treatment model may be most effective. This article presents two de-identified clinical case studies from an ongoing randomised controlled trial examining the efficacy of an integrated, exposure-based, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) for PTSD and SUD among adolescents (COPE-A), relative to a supportive counselling control condition (person-centred therapy). In both case studies, participants were randomised to receive the COPE-A integrated treatment, which incorporates prolonged exposure (PE) including imaginal and in vivo exposure as a core treatment component alongside CBT for PTSD and SUD. The clinical profile and treatment response of each participant is discussed. Promising results were found in both cases, with substantially reduced traumatic stress symptoms and decreased or stable levels of substance use by the end of treatment. Clinical implications of these early findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Schollar-Root
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joanne Cassar
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Peach
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa E Cobham
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Children’s Health Queensland, Child & Youth Mental Health Service, QLD, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Milne
- The Department of Adolescent Medicine, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barrett
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sudie E. Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, Melbourne, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kathleen Brady
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joanne Ross
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ivana Kihas
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine A Dobinson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katherine L Mills
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Andriessen K, Krysinska K, Rickwood D, Pirkis J. "Finding a safe space": A qualitative study of what makes help helpful for adolescents bereaved by suicide. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 46:2456-2466. [PMID: 34452590 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1970049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing a death by suicide is a devastating event in the lives of adolescents; however, little is known about what makes help helpful according to their experiences. Thematic analysis of individual and group interview data (N = 18) yielded four themes: feeling connected with, and understood by a helper, having a sense of control over, and access to the help as needed. Findings indicate that help should be based on supportive and educational approaches with respect to the adolescents' agency and the family context. Help must be accessible on a long-term basis while catering for flexible usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Debra Rickwood
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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