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Jover Martínez A, Lemmens LHJM, Fried EI, Roefs A. Developing a transdiagnostic Ecological Momentary Assessment protocol for psychopathology. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2024; 33:e2028. [PMID: 39030856 PMCID: PMC11258473 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.2028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The network approach to psychopathology posits that mental disorders emerge from dynamic interactions among psychopathology-relevant variables. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is frequently used to assess these variables in daily life. Considering the transdiagnostic nature of the network approach to psychopathology, this study describes the development of a transdiagnostic EMA protocol for psychopathology. METHODS First, 96 clinicians completed an online survey, providing three EMA constructs for up to three disorders they specialize in, and three EMA constructs relevant across disorders (transdiagnostic constructs). Second, 12 focus groups were conducted with clinical experts for specific types of diagnoses (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders). Finally, a selection of items was reached by consensus. Two raters independently coded the online survey responses with an inter-rater agreement of 87.3%. RESULTS Jaccard indices showed up to 52.6% overlap in EMA items across types of diagnoses. The most frequently reported transdiagnostic constructs were mood, sleep quality, and stress. A final set of EMA items is created based on items' frequency and informativeness, ensuring completeness across diagnoses and minimizing burden. CONCLUSIONS The described procedure resulted in a feasible EMA protocol to examine psychopathology transdiagnostically. Feasibility was helped by the overlap in mentioned symptoms across disorders. Such overlap raises questions about the validity of DSM categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Jover Martínez
- Clinical Psychological ScienceFaculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Lotte H. J. M. Lemmens
- Clinical Psychological ScienceFaculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Eiko I. Fried
- Clinical PsychologyFaculty of Social and Behavioral SciencesLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Anne Roefs
- Clinical Psychological ScienceFaculty of Psychology and NeuroscienceMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
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Chen MY, He F, Rao WW, Qi Y, Rao SY, Ho TI, Su Z, Cheung T, Smith RD, Ng CH, Zheng Y, Xiang YT. The network structures of mental and behavioral problems among children and adolescents in China using propensity score matching: A comparison between one-child and multi-child families based on a nationwide survey. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:206-213. [PMID: 38797390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.121] [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] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploring networks of mental and behavioral problems in children and adolescents may identify differences between one-child and multi-child families. This study compared the network structures of mental and behavioral problems in children and adolescents in one-child families versus multi-child families based on a nationwide survey. METHODS Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match children and adolescents from one-child families with those from multi-child families. Mental and behavioral problems were assessed using the Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) with eight syndromal subscales. In the network analysis, strength centrality index was used to estimate central symptoms, and case-dropping bootstrap method was used to assess network stability. RESULTS The study included 39,648 children and adolescents (19,824 from one-child families and 19,824 from multi-child families). Children and adolescents from multi-child families exhibited different network structure and higher global strength compared to those from one-child families. In one-child families, the most central symptoms were "Social problems", "Anxious/depressed" and "Withdrawn/depressed", while in multi-child families, the most central symptoms were "Social problems", "Rule-breaking behavior" and "Anxious/depressed". CONCLUSION Differences in mental and behavioral problems among children and adolescents between one-child and multi-child families were found. To address these problems, interventions targeting "Social problems" and "Anxious/depressed" symptoms should be developed for children and adolescents in both one-child and multi-child families, while other interventions targeting "Withdrawn/depressed" and "Rule-breaking behavior" symptoms could be useful for those in one-child and multi-child families, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yi Chen
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Fan He
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Wang Rao
- Department of Preventive Medicine,Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guandong province, China
| | - Yanjie Qi
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Ying Rao
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Tin-Ian Ho
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Robert D Smith
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Chee H Ng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Melbourne Clinic and St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Yi Zheng
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
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Smith JA, Zhang J, Urusov A, Colucci L, Sloss I, Eckert L, Price‐Cameron M, Browne DT. Exploring networks of complex developmental trauma symptomatology among children and adolescents involved in child welfare. JCPP ADVANCES 2024; 4:e12224. [PMID: 38827977 PMCID: PMC11143960 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical presentations of child and adolescent psychopathology can vary systematically for boys and girls. While network analysis is increasingly being applied to explore psychopathology in adults, there is a dearth of network studies considering differences in symptoms for boys and girls, particularly in developmental trauma-related symptomatology. Methods This study involves rural children (n = 375, 39.47% girls) and adolescents (n = 291, 51.20% girls) involved with child protection services in Ontario, Canada. Caregivers completed the Assessment Checklist for Children or Adolescents within the first 6 months of care. Psychometric network analyses were conducted using subscales for boys and girls. Differences were examined via network comparison permutation tests, moderated network models, and independent t-tests. Results Attachment-related interpersonal difficulties were the most central nodes in the child and adolescent networks for both boys and girls. Emotional dysregulation also had high strength centrality for adolescents. While network comparison tests found the overall network structures and global network strength to be invariant between boys and girls for children and adolescents, moderated network models and independent t-tests revealed several differences with regards to the expression of specific symptoms. Among children, girls exhibited more indiscriminate and pseudomature interpersonal behaviors, whereas boys expressed significantly more non-reciprocal interpersonal behaviors and self-injury. Adolescent girls exhibited more behavioral dysregulation and suicide discourse in the moderated network model; t-tests also indicated higher levels of emotional dysregulation, negative self-image, and other items considered clinically important complex trauma symptoms (e.g., distrust of adults, confused belonging). Discussion This study supports evidence of differences in the expression of complex trauma symptomatology for boys and girls. Additionally, girls exhibit more symptoms, in general. Consistent with the transdiagnostic conceptualization of the consequences of developmental trauma, findings demonstrate the primacy of attachment-specific difficulties and emotion dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson A. Smith
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Jasmine Zhang
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Alexey Urusov
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Laura Colucci
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Imogen Sloss
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | - Lillian Eckert
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
| | | | - Dillon T. Browne
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and TreatmentUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooOntarioCanada
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Kangaslampi S, Zijlmans J. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD in adolescents: rationale, potential, risks, and considerations. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02310-9. [PMID: 37814082 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02310-9] [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] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymetamphetamine(MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) is a proposed treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may be approved for adults soon. PTSD is also common among trauma-exposed adolescents, and current treatments leave much room for improvement. We present a rationale for considering MDMA-AP for treating PTSD among adolescents. Evidence suggests that as an adjunct to therapy, MDMA may reduce avoidance and enable trauma processing, strengthen therapeutic alliance, enhance extinction learning and trauma-related reappraisal, and hold potential beyond PTSD symptoms. Drawing on existing trauma-focused treatments, we suggest possible adaptations to MDMA-AP for use with adolescents, focusing on (1) reinforcing motivation, (2) the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, (3) additional emotion and behavior management techniques, (4) more directive exposure-based methods during MDMA sessions, (5) more support for concomitant challenges and integrating treatment benefits, and (6) involving family in treatment. We then discuss potential risks particular to adolescents, including physical and psychological side effects, toxicity, misuse potential, and ethical issues. We argue that MDMA-AP holds potential for adolescents suffering from PTSD. Instead of off-label use or extrapolating from adult studies, clinical trials should be carried out to determine whether MDMA-AP is safe and effective for PTSD among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuli Kangaslampi
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Psychology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Josjan Zijlmans
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Knefel M, Karatzias T, Spinazzola J, Shevlin M, Ford JD. The relationship of posttraumatic stress disorder and developmental trauma disorder with childhood psychopathology: A network analysis. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 99:102766. [PMID: 37690357 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102766] [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] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Potentially traumatic experiences are a major risk factor for mental disorders in children and adolescents. Posttraumatic psychopathology includes trauma-specific disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other psychiatric disorders. Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) has been proposed as a developmentally sensitive diagnosis. We aimed to further illuminate the co-occurrence of psychiatric conditions with DTD and PTSD. METHOD In a convenience sample of families of 507 children and adolescents (mean age = 12.11 years old, SD = 2.92; 48.5% female), we assessed DTD, PTSD, and screened for psychiatric disorders. We estimated network models including DTD, PTSD and ten psychiatric conditions. RESULTS We found that DTD and PTSD share both common and differential comorbidity features on disorder-, domain-, and symptom-level. The differential comorbidity patterns of the DTD and PTSD domains placed DTD close to both externalizing and internalizing psychopathology while PTSD was primarily linked to internalizing conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence for the complex clinical presentation of posttraumatic psychopathology over and above PTSD in children. DTD and PTSD provide useful and distinct diagnostic categories for children who are also experiencing internalizing conditions, and DTD may be especially relevant for children who are experiencing externalizing psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Knefel
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine, Landesklinikum Baden , Baden bei Wien, Austria.
| | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK; Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Mark Shevlin
- Ulster University, School of Psychology, Coleraine, UK
| | - Julian D Ford
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Haws JK, Laifer LM, Acosta LM, Ralston AL, Ruggiero KJ, Davidson TM, Andrews AR. A Distinction Without a Difference? A Multi-Method Approach to Understanding PTSD and Depression Symptom Overlap Among Disaster-Exposed Adolescents. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1021-1035. [PMID: 36881210 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Among adolescents exposed to trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly co-occur. Despite the prevalence of comorbidity, the question of how PTSD and MDD are related and appropriate conceptual models for understanding their linkage in adolescence remains unclear. This study applies a multi-methodological approach to advance conceptual and theoretical understanding of the overlap between PTSD and MDD diagnoses/symptoms. We tested three methodological approaches with three distinct theoretical underpinnings on the structure of each disorder proposed in the literature: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with dimensional constructs, latent class analysis (LCA) with person-based categorical constructs, and network analysis with symptom-to-symptom associations. Across the three different analytical approaches, there was a significant overlap between PTSD and MDD. Overall, there was no compelling evidence for distinct boundaries between disorders among trauma-exposed adolescents. Instead, we found considerable evidence that the typical latent-construct-based conceptualizations, whether categorical or dimensional, may need revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kyle Haws
- Department of Family Medicine, and the Adult and Child Adult & Child Center for Outcomes Research & Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13199 E. Montview Blvd, Suite 300, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Lauren M Laifer
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Laura M Acosta
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Allura L Ralston
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Kenneth J Ruggiero
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Tatiana M Davidson
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Arthur R Andrews
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
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Wang H, Liu Y, Zhang S, Xu Z, Yang J. Investigating Links between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Self-Rated Health Status in Adolescents: The Mediating Roles of Emotional Intelligence and Psychosocial Stress. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1106. [PMID: 37508604 PMCID: PMC10378217 DOI: 10.3390/children10071106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence represents a crucial phase, characterized by rapid physical and mental development and numerous challenges. Physical activity plays a vital role in the mental well-being of adolescents; however, due to the prevailing educational philosophy prioritizing academic performance, adolescent participation in physical activities has yet to reach its full potential. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on adolescents' emotional intelligence, psychosocial stress, and self-rated health status. To achieve this objective, a cluster sampling method was employed to collect data from 600 adolescents in 10 schools across five municipal districts of Changsha, China. A total of 426 valid questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Utilizing AMOS v.23, a structural equation model was constructed to validate the hypotheses. The findings reveal that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly impacts adolescents' emotional intelligence and self-rated health status. Conversely, it exerts a significant negative influence on their psychosocial stress. Moreover, emotional intelligence and psychosocial stress mediate the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and self-rated health status. In light of these results, education departments, schools, and families must embrace a paradigm shift in educational philosophies and provide robust support for adolescents to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Wang
- School of Business, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Business, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Songbiao Zhang
- School of Business, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
| | - Ziqing Xu
- International College, National Institute of Development Administration, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Medical Bioinformatics, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Davis RS, Halligan SL, Meiser-Stedman R, Elliott E, Ward G, Hiller RM. A Longitudinal Investigation of the Relationship Between Trauma-Related Cognitive Processes and Internalising and Externalising Psychopathology in Young People in Out-of-Home Care. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:485-496. [PMID: 36525227 PMCID: PMC10017561 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-01005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Young people in out-of-home care are at increased risk of developing a range of posttrauma mental health difficulties, including PTSD, but more commonly anxiety, depression and externalising symptoms. Cognitive models of PTSD indicate that trauma-related maladaptive appraisals, coping strategies and trauma memory qualities are key processes in the development and maintenance of PTSD, yet there has been limited investigation of the potential role of these processes in broader posttrauma psychopathology, particularly in young people who have been exposed to complex, rather than acute, trauma. We recruited 120 10-18 years olds in out-of-home care, and their caregivers, who completed assessments at two time points: baseline and 12-month follow-up. Young people completed self-report measures of trauma-related maladaptive appraisals, coping strategies and trauma-memory qualities, as well as reporting on PTSD, anxiety, depression and externalising symptoms. Carers also reported on internalising and externalising symptoms. We found that all three cognitive processes were associated with baseline self-reported internalising symptoms, with maladaptive appraisals most robustly associated with both anxiety and depression. Changes in all three processes over 12-months predicted a change in self-reported internalising and externalising symptoms, with maladaptive appraisals and coping predicting anxiety symptoms, and coping uniquely predicting depression and externalising symptoms. Effects remained after controlling for co-occurring PTSD symptoms. Findings were not replicated when using carer-reported symptoms. These findings suggest that existing cognitive models of PTSD may also usefully explain broader posttrauma depression, anxiety and externalising symptoms in young people who have experienced maltreatment and live in out-of-home care. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah L Halligan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard Meiser-Stedman
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Georgina Ward
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Hiller
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK. .,Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK. .,Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK.
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Perry EW, Osborne MC, Kinnish K, Lee N, Self-Brown SR. The PTSD Symptom Presentation and the Effect of Polytrauma on PTSD Symptom Clusters Among Young People Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:81-93. [PMID: 36776638 PMCID: PMC9908799 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00474-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the PTSD symptom presentation (including dissociative symptoms) of PTSD using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 th Edition diagnostic criteria and explore associations between the symptom severity for each of the four PTSD symptom clusters and polytrauma, defined as multiple exposures to different categories of potentially traumatic events. Methods This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional program evaluation data among 95 young people (aged 11-19) at therapy initiation in a southeastern state in the U.S. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression to test study objectives. Results Eighty-one respondents (90.0%) experienced a potentially traumatic event in ≥ 2 trauma categories, in addition to experiencing CSE/T. Approximately two-thirds of respondents experienced clinically significant PTSD symptoms for each symptom cluster. Of the 31 young people who met full criteria for PTSD, 9 met criteria for the standard PTSD diagnosis, while 22 met criteria for the dissociative subtype of PTSD. On average, experiencing additional trauma categories was associated with substantively higher PTSD symptom cluster scores for each cluster. Conclusions These findings support the need for a comprehensive assessment of trauma symptoms that includes cluster-specific PTSD symptoms. They also underscore the need to assess the full breadth and chronicity of trauma experiences to guide treatment planning and delivery, targeting specific domains of trauma impact. These findings can also inform the tailoring and adaptation of evidence-based interventions and strategies to better meet the needs of young people who have experienced CSE/T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W. Perry
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
- National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Melissa C. Osborne
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kelly Kinnish
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
- National Center On Child Trafficking, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - NaeHyung Lee
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Shannon R. Self-Brown
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
- National SafeCare Training and Research Center, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
- National Center On Child Trafficking, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA USA
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Scharpf F, Saupe L, Crombach A, Haer R, Ibrahim H, Neuner F, Peltonen K, Qouta S, Saile R, Hecker T. The network structure of posttraumatic stress symptoms in war‐affected children and adolescents. JCPP ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Scharpf
- Department of Psychology Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
| | - Laura Saupe
- Department of Psychology University Eichstätt‐Ingolstadt Eichstätt Germany
| | - Anselm Crombach
- Department of Psychology Konstanz University Konstanz Germany
- Department of Psychology Saarland University Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Roos Haer
- Institute of Political Science Leiden University Leiden Netherlands
| | - Hawkar Ibrahim
- Department of Psychology Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
| | - Frank Neuner
- Department of Psychology Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
| | - Kirsi Peltonen
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry University of Turku Turku Finland
| | - Samir Qouta
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities Doha Instiute for Graduate Studies Al Daayen Qatar
| | - Regina Saile
- Treatment Center for Victims of Torture Ulm Germany
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence Bielefeld University Bielefeld Germany
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Breaking the cycles of violence with narrative exposure: Development and feasibility of NETfacts, a community-based intervention for populations living under continuous threat. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275421. [PMID: 36534649 PMCID: PMC9762574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpersonal violence damages mental health and frequently leads to aggressive defence strategies. If survivors are subsequently blamed for the events, both consequences worsen. Stigma flourishes, especially when survivors are silenced so that details of the trauma remain unknown. Breaking the secrecy both at the individual and collective level is key to enable the healing and reconciliation of individuals and communities living under continuous threat. METHOD The NETfacts health system is a stepped care model with three components: (1) Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), an evidence-based trauma therapy that includes survivor testimony (2) NET for Forensic Offender Rehabilitation (FORNET) acknowledges that perpetrators are frequently also victims and assists in reducing aggression and the attraction to violence, and (3) a community intervention disseminating and discussing Facts derived from NET treatment (NETfacts) to challenge the collective avoidance of atrocities and other traumatic material. The intervention was piloted in a community with 497 adult residents in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The willingness of clients to consent to sharing their anonymised testimonies (with a focus on sexual violence survivors and ex-combatants) was investigated, together with other components of feasibility including security and clinical safety, extent of support of respected local authorities and participation rates. As secondary outcomes, clinical and social measures were assessed before and post NETfacts among 200 village residents of whom 160 self-enrolled and 40 had not participated in any form of treatment. RESULTS Implementation was feasible with 248 clients from a partner project giving consent to use their testimonies and high support of respected local authorities and participation rates (56% of residents self-enrolled in NETfacts). Immediate beneficial effects were shown for posttraumatic stress and rejection of rape myths among NETfacts participants who experienced multiple traumatic events in their own past. Attitudes towards ex-combatants improved and the perceived lack of social acknowledgement after trauma increased independent from participation. No significant change was observed for depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION NETfacts is a feasible and promising approach to challenge the culture of secrecy surrounding trauma, suppression and social exclusion. Long term effectiveness requires further evaluation.
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Wang N, Chung MC, Zhang J, Fang S. Network analysis on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder, psychiatric co-morbidity and posttraumatic growth among Chinese adolescents. J Affect Disord 2022; 309:461-470. [PMID: 35513114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.148] [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] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychiatric co-morbidity and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese adolescents using network analysis. METHODS 867 Chinese adolescents (male = 424, female = 443) were recruited from three secondary schools. They completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the General Health Questionnaire-28. RESULTS Domains of each construct mainly clustered within their respective communities with several bridging edges identified. The prominent roles of bridging nodes and edges (positive and negative) were highlighted. Key bridging nodes were negative alterations in cognitions and mood for PTSD, anxiety and insomnia for psychiatric co-morbidity and appreciation of life for PTG. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional nature of the present study may preclude the identification of real causal relationships between nodes. CONCLUSIONS Following a trauma, adolescents displayed posttraumatic stress along with general psychological disorder symptoms. These distress reactions could affect the way they appreciated life and their motivation to seek future life possibilities. Findings from the current study may provide some clue for the facilitation of posttraumatic growth among clinical patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- Department of Educational Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man Cheung Chung
- Department of Psychology, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jieting Zhang
- College of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Siqi Fang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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13
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Perry EW, Osborne MC, Lee N, Kinnish K, Self-Brown SR. Posttraumatic Cognitions and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Young People Who Have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking. Public Health Rep 2022; 137:91S-101S. [PMID: 35775917 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211041552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of posttraumatic cognitions on the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) is understudied among children and adolescents who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation/trafficking (CSE/T). The objectives of this study were to (1) explore posttraumatic cognitions among help-seeking young people aged 11-19 who have experienced CSE/T; (2) determine whether experiencing direct violence, witnessing violence, polyvictimization (ie, multiple exposures to different categories of potentially traumatic events), or demographic characteristics differentially affect whether these young people meet clinical criteria for posttraumatic cognitions using established cutoffs; and (3) explore associations between posttraumatic cognitions and PTSS among young people who have experienced CSE/T. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis of a baseline cross-sectional survey of 110 young people with substantiated CSE/T experiences who started trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (mean [SD] age = 15.8 [1.5]) from August 1, 2013, through March 31, 2020, in a southeastern US state. We used descriptive statistics, adjusted modified Poisson regression, and adjusted linear regression to test study objectives. RESULTS Fifty-seven of 110 (51.8%) young people aged 11-19 met clinical criteria for posttraumatic cognitions. Increased age and a greater number of trauma categories experienced were significantly associated with meeting clinical criteria for posttraumatic cognitions. On average, higher posttraumatic cognition scores were associated with higher PTSS scores, controlling for demographic characteristics (β = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.64-1.26). CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the importance of assessing comprehensive trauma history and PTSS of young people who have experienced CSE/T, with added usefulness of measuring cognitive appraisals to inform a therapeutic treatment plan. Measuring cognitive appraisals that may influence PTSS and therapeutic success can ensure an effective public health response for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Perry
- 1373 School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,1373 Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,1373 Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melissa C Osborne
- 1373 Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,1373 Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - NaeHyung Lee
- 1373 School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,1373 Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,1373 Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Shannon R Self-Brown
- 1373 School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,1373 Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,1373 Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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14
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Self-Brown SR, Osborne MC, Lee N, Perry EW, Kinnish K. Exploring the Impact of Trauma History on the Mental Health Presentations of Youth who have Experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking. Behav Med 2022; 48:261-272. [PMID: 33689585 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2020.1865255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study explores the types and extent of potentially traumatic events that youth who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking (CSE/T) report, and how these experiences influence mental health. CSE/T youth (N = 110, 11-19 years old) referred to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapists affiliated with Project Intersect provided self-report data between August 2013 and March 2020 at the start (baseline), mid-point, and completion of therapeutic services. This study focuses on the baseline data collected. Bivariate relationships were analyzed, and where bivariate associations were statistically significant, associations were assessed in adjusted regression models. Two logistic regressions were performed: one for the adjusted associations between types of potentially traumatic events reported by CSE/T youth and the outcome PTSD, and a second for the outcome emotional distress. Results indicated that polytrauma was significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis among CSE/T youth. Direct violence victimization and polytrauma were significantly associated with CSE/T youth emotional distress. Results inform behavioral medicine practitioner considerations for how to appropriately assess the potentially traumatic experiences of CSE/T youth, and how these experiences may differentially impact the mental health presentations of youth in clinical treatment. Effective treatment may include precision-based customization of evidence-based practices to ensure that the diverse traumatic experiences and related symptomatology of CSE/T youth are effectively addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa C Osborne
- Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University
| | - NaeHyung Lee
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University
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15
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Makhubela M. The Network Structure of Trauma Symptoms of Abuse-exposed Children and Adolescents in South Africa. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP7803-NP7824. [PMID: 33140670 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520969239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Network theory promises new ways for conceptualizing, methods for investigating, and state-of-the-art lines of research that will improve our knowledge of mental health in high-risk children and adolescents. This study constructed a symptom network to examine associations between a wide range of trauma symptoms in a sample of children and adolescents (N = 270; Mage = 12.55 yrs, SD = 1.19; 67% = Female) who experienced different forms of abuse (i.e., sexual, physical, emotional and neglect). Symptom-pairs regularized partial correlations, with the Extended Bayesian Information Criterion Graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (EBICglasso), were computed to estimate the network structure and centrality measures of the TSCC-SF items. Results show sadness, dissociative amnesia, and sexual arousal to be the most central symptoms in the network, while suicidality was found to be the shortest pathway across all other symptoms (domains). By providing clinicians with specific symptoms to target in interventions, the network framework has the potential to guide and enhance the effectiveness of psychological therapies in high-risk populations.
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16
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Farhat LC, Brentani H, de Toledo VHC, Shephard E, Mattos P, Baron-Cohen S, Thapar A, Casella E, Polanczyk GV. ADHD and autism symptoms in youth: a network analysis. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:143-151. [PMID: 33984874 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research investigating the overlap between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (henceforth, autism) symptoms in population samples have relied on latent variable modeling in which averaged scores representing dimensions were derived from observed symptoms. There are no studies evaluating how ADHD and autism symptoms interact at the level of individual symptom items. METHODS We aimed to address this gap by performing a network analysis on data from a school survey of children aged 6-17 years old (N = 7,405). ADHD and autism symptoms were measured via parent-report on the Swanson, Nolan, Pelham-IV questionnaire and the Childhood Autism Spectrum test, respectively. RESULTS A relatively low interconnectivity between ADHD and autism symptoms was found with only 10.06% of possible connections (edges) between one ADHD and one autism symptoms different than zero. Associations between ADHD and autism symptoms were significantly weaker than those between two symptoms pertaining to the same construct. Select ADHD symptoms, particularly those presenting in social contexts (e.g. 'talks excessively', 'does not wait turn'), showed moderate-to-strong associations with autism symptoms, but some were considered redundant to autism symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The present findings indicate that individual ADHD and autism symptoms are largely segregated in accordance with diagnostic boundaries corresponding to these conditions in children and adolescents from the community. These findings could improve our clinical conceptualization of ADHD and autism and guide advancements in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis C Farhat
- Departamento de Psiquiatria da Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Departamento de Psiquiatria da Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elizabeth Shephard
- Departamento de Psiquiatria da Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paulo Mattos
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Center, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anita Thapar
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Medical Research Council Center for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Erasmo Casella
- Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme V Polanczyk
- Departamento de Psiquiatria da Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Stefanovic M, Ehring T, Wittekind CE, Kleim B, Rohde J, Krüger-Gottschalk A, Knaevelsrud C, Rau H, Schäfer I, Schellong J, Dyer A, Takano K. Comparing PTSD symptom networks in type I vs. type II trauma survivors. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2114260. [PMID: 36186163 PMCID: PMC9518442 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2114260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Network analysis has gained increasing attention as a new framework to study complex associations between symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A number of studies have been published to investigate symptom networks on different sets of symptoms in different populations, and the findings have been inconsistent. Objective: We aimed to extend previous research by testing whether differences in PTSD symptom networks can be found in survivors of type I (single event; sudden and unexpected, high levels of acute threat) vs. type II (repeated and/or protracted; anticipated) trauma (with regard to their index trauma). Method: Participants were trauma-exposed individuals with elevated levels of PTSD symptomatology, most of whom (94%) were undergoing assessment in preparation for PTSD treatment in several treatment centres in Germany and Switzerland (n = 286 with type I and n = 187 with type II trauma). We estimated Bayesian Gaussian graphical models for each trauma group and explored group differences in the symptom network. Results: First, for both trauma types, our analyses identified the edges that were repeatedly reported in previous network studies. Second, there was decisive evidence that the two networks were generated from different multivariate normal distributions, i.e. the networks differed on a global level. Third, explorative edge-wise comparisons showed moderate or strong evidence for specific 12 edges. Edges which emerged as especially important in distinguishing the networks were between intrusions and flashbacks, highlighting the stronger positive association in the group of type II trauma survivors compared to type I survivors. Flashbacks showed a similar pattern of results in the associations with detachment and sleep problems (type II > type I). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that trauma type contributes to the heterogeneity in the symptom network. Future research on PTSD symptom networks should include this variable in the analyses to reduce heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Ehring
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Outpatient Centre for Specific Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Judith Rohde
- Outpatient Centre for Specific Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinrich Rau
- Psychotrauma Centre, German Armed Forces Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Schellong
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne Dyer
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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19
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Qi J, Sun R, Zhou X. Network analysis of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in adolescents across COVID-19 epidemic and Typhoon Lekima. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:594-603. [PMID: 34509075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Network analytic studies indicate that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be comorbid with depression at the symptom level, but it remains unclear whether these findings are replicable and generalizable across trauma types. OBJECTIVE This study aim was to examine and compare PTSD-depression comorbidity networks of two types of trauma related to Typhoon Lekima and COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS Participants were 1605 and 601 adolescents recruited following Typhoon Lekima and the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. RESULTS COVID-19 and Lekima PTSD-depression networks had considerable similarities, including adequate stability and accuracy, connected symptoms of PTSD and depression, symptoms with high centralities, and bridge symptoms. PTSD-depression comorbid symptoms were more complicated in the COVID-19 network but may show more persistence in the Lekima network. Distinct bridge symptoms contributed to the heterogeneity of PTSD-depression comorbidity characteristics between the two networks. Specifically, restricted affect and felt down and unhappy were two important bridge symptoms with high centrality unique to the COVID-19 network. CONCLUSIONS PTSD-depression comorbidity network has considerable replicability across trauma types, but specific symptom-level associations and some bridge symptoms may vary across trauma types. These findings also highlight the importance of negative emotions to comorbid PTSD and depression in adolescents following the COVID-19 outbreak compared with Typhoon Lekima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Qi
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310028, China.
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20
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Ashaie S, Castro N. Exploring the Complexity of Aphasia With Network Analysis. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2021; 64:3928-3941. [PMID: 34534002 PMCID: PMC9132069 DOI: 10.1044/2021_jslhr-21-00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Aphasia is a complex, neurogenic language disorder, with different aphasia syndromes hallmarked by impairment in fluency, auditory comprehension, naming, and/or repetition. Broad, standardized assessments of language domains and specific language and cognitive assessments provide a holistic impairment profile of a person with aphasia. While many recognize the correlations between assessments, there remains a need to continue understanding the complexity of relationships between assessments for the purpose of better characterization of language impairment profiles of persons with aphasia. We explored the use of network analysis to identify the complex relationships between a variety of language assessments. Method We computed a regularized partial correlation network and a directed acyclic graph network to estimate the relations between different aphasia assessments in 128 persons with aphasia. Results Western Aphasia Battery-Revised Comprehension subtest was the most central assessment in the aphasia symptom network, whereas the Philadelphia Naming Test had the most putative causal influence on other assessments. Additionally, the language assessments segregated into three empirically derived communities denoting phonology, semantics, and syntax. Furthermore, several assessments, including the Philadelphia Naming Test, belonged to multiple communities, suggesting that certain assessments may capture multiple language impairments. Conclusion We discuss the implications of using a network analysis approach for clinical intervention and driving forward novel questions in the field of clinical aphasiology. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16620229.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ashaie
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Nichol Castro
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, NY
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21
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An Y, Shi J, Chuan-Peng H, Wu X. The symptom structure of posttraumatic stress disorder and co-morbid depression among college students with childhood abuse experience: A network analysis. J Affect Disord 2021; 293:466-475. [PMID: 34256208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are highly co-morbid among individuals with childhood abuse history, while the mechanism of the co-morbidity is highly debated. This study sought to extent the work among college students with network analysis, which is a novel method that sees the co-morbidity from a symptom interacting perspective. METHODS Data was collected from 476 college students who were assessed to have childhood abuse history, PTSD and depression at the same time, using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire- Short Form, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression. We created a Graphical Gaussian Model (GGM) network to show associations between symptom pairs and a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) to estimate potential casual relationships among symptoms. RESULTS The GGM network was reliably stable, feeling sad (Depression) and trouble experiencing positive feelings (PTSD) were the most central nodes. Trouble experiencing positive feelings and several negative affect symptoms, sleep problems and difficulty in concentrating were acting as important bridging nodes. The DAG network suggested the key triggering roles of exaggerated startle (PTSD) and several re-experiencing symptoms. LIMITATIONS The study used cross-sectional data and self-reported measures. Results from network analysis could be affected by scale factors and contain spurious correlations. CONCLUSIONS In the childhood-abuse-related co-morbid structure, several negative affect symptoms both in PTSD and depression have pivotal roles, hyper-arousal symptoms and re-experiencing symptoms could trigger the co-morbid structure. Illustrating the strength and limitations of network analysis, this study help target the potentially influential symptoms for better clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan An
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, 122 Ninghai Road, Gulou Distinct, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Junyi Shi
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, 122 Ninghai Road, Gulou Distinct, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Hu Chuan-Peng
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Xinchun Wu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No.19 Xinjiekou Wai Street, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No.19 Xinjiekou Wai Street, Beijing, PR China.
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22
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Li K, Guang Y, Ren L, Zhan X, Tan X, Luo X, Feng Z. Network analysis of the relationship between negative life events and depressive symptoms in the left-behind children. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:429. [PMID: 34470646 PMCID: PMC8408940 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 68.77 million left-behind children in China, who are at a great risk of depression associated with negative life events. Our study aims to investigate the most central symptoms of depression in left-behind children and the relationship between depressive symptoms and negative life events using network analysis. METHOD A cross-sectional data set (N = 7255) was used, which included children and adolescents aged 7 to 17. Network analysis was used to evaluate: 1) the most central symptoms among the items included in Child Depression Inventory (CDI) of the left-behind children; 2) bridge symptoms between depressive disorder and Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List (ASLEC) of the left-behind children; 3) differences in networks of depressive disorders between left-behind and non-left-behind children, and 4) differences in the network of depression and negative life events between left-behind and non-left-behind children. The stability and centrality indices of the network were also evaluated in the study. RESULTS The most central symptoms in the CDI among the left-behind children included self-hatred, crying, fatigue, and sadness. The items with the highest bridge strength centrality in the CDI-ASLEC network included academic stress, discrimination, and school performance decrement. Higher bridge strength values indicate a greater risk of contagion to other communities. The connections in the CDI-ASLEC network are denser in the left-behind children than in non-left-behind children. LIMITATIONS The study which was conducted based on cross-sectional data shows that network analysis can only make undirected estimation, but not causal inferences. CONCLUSIONS We identified the core symptoms of depression and the bridge symptoms between negative life events and depression in the left-behind children. These findings suggest that more attention should be paid to self-hatred, sadness, and fatigue in the treatment of depression in left-behind children. Intervention for academic stress and discrimination of the left-behind children may help to reduce the contagion of negative life events to depression symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuiliang Li
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Gao Tanyan, Sha Pingba, Chongqing, 400038 P.R. China
| | - Yu Guang
- grid.452847.8Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, 518028 P.R. China ,Shenzhen Dapeng New District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen, 518120 P.R. China
| | - Lei Ren
- grid.233520.50000 0004 1761 4404Department of Military Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169 West Changle Road, Xi’an, 710032 P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhan
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medical English, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Gao Tanyan, Sha Pingba, Chongqing, 400038 P.R. China
| | - Xuejiao Tan
- grid.410570.70000 0004 1760 6682Department of Medical English, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Gao Tanyan, Sha Pingba, Chongqing, 400038 P.R. China
| | - Xi Luo
- School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Gao Tanyan, Sha Pingba, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China. .,Department of Medical English, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Gao Tanyan, Sha Pingba, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China.
| | - Zhengzhi Feng
- School of Psychology, Army Medical University, Gao Tanyan, Sha Pingba, Chongqing, 400038, P.R. China.
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23
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Scharpf F, Mueller SC, Masath FB, Nkuba M, Hecker T. Psychopathology mediates between maltreatment and memory functioning in Burundian refugee youth. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 118:105165. [PMID: 34171582 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detrimental impact of child maltreatment on children and adolescents' academic achievement and later socioeconomic wellbeing is well known. However, it is still unclear (1) whether maltreatment is actually linked to youth's long- and short-term memory deficits and (2) whether potential impairments are due to maltreatment per se or related psychopathology. OBJECTIVE Based on the Attentional Control Theory, we investigated a mediational model in which maltreatment would be related to psychopathology (internalizing symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic cognitions), which would in turn be related to impaired memory functioning. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We drew on a sample of 155 Burundian refugee youth (aged 11 to 15) currently living in refugee camps in Tanzania and at high risk of experiencing ongoing maltreatment by parents. METHODS Youth reported on their experiences of maltreatment and psychopathology in structured clinical interviews and completed visuospatial memory tasks involving a short-term and a working memory component (Corsi Block Tapping Test) and delayed recall from long-term memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure). RESULTS Structural equation modeling showed that psychopathology mediated the association between increased maltreatment and reduced working memory capacity (β = -0.07, p = .02), with a trend towards mediation for short-term memory (β = -0.05, p = .06). Higher levels of maltreatment, but not psychopathology, were directly linked to long-term memory deficits (β = -0.20, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS Preventive efforts targeting maltreatment and interventions focusing on related psychopathology are needed to counter memory deficits and their potential negative implications for academic and socioeconomic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sven C Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Faustine Bwire Masath
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Germany; Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es salaam University College of Education, Tanzania
| | - Mabula Nkuba
- Department of Educational Psychology and Curriculum Studies, Dar es salaam University College of Education, Tanzania
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Germany; Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Schumacher L, Burger J, Zoellner F, Zindler A, Epskamp S, Barthel D. Using clinical expertise and empirical data in constructing networks of trauma symptoms in refugee youth. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1920200. [PMID: 34178294 PMCID: PMC8205066 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1920200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, many adolescents have fled their home countries due to war and human rights violations, consequently experiencing various traumatic events and putting them at risk of developing mental health problems. The symptomatology of refugee youth was shown to be multifaceted and often falling outside of traditional diagnoses. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the symptomatology of this patient group by assessing the network structure of a wide range of symptoms. Further, we assessed clinicians' perceptions of symptoms relations in order to evaluate the clinical validity of the empirical network. Methods: Empirical data on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and other trauma symptoms from N = 366 refugee youth were collected during the routine diagnostic process of an outpatient centre for refugee youth in Germany. Additionally, four clinicians of this outpatient centre were asked how they perceive symptom relations in their patients using a newly developed tool. Separate networks were constructed based on 1) empirical symptom data and 2) clinicians' perceived symptom relations (PSR). Results: Both the network based on empirical data and the network based on clinicians' PSR showed that symptoms of PTSD and depression related most strongly within each respective cluster (connected mainly via sleeping problems), externalizing symptoms were somewhat related to PTSD symptoms and intrusions were central. Some differences were found within the clinicians' PSR as well as between the PSR and the empirical network. Still, the general PSR-network structure showed a moderate to good fit to the empirical data. Conclusion: Our results suggest that sleeping problems and intrusions play a central role in the symptomatology of refugee children, which has tentative implications for diagnostics and treatment. Further, externalizing symptoms might be an indicator for PTSD-symptoms. Finally, using clinicians' PSR for network construction offered a promising possibility to gain information on symptom networks and their clinical validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Schumacher
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Developmental Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julian Burger
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University Center Psychiatry (UCP), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Center for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fionna Zoellner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Areej Zindler
- Ambulanzzentrum des UKE GmbH, Flüchtlingsambulanz, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sacha Epskamp
- Center for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dana Barthel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Ambulanzzentrum des UKE GmbH, Flüchtlingsambulanz, Hamburg, Germany
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Stupar D, Stevanovic D, Vostanis P, Atilola O, Moreira P, Dodig-Curkovic K, Franic T, Doric A, Davidovic N, Avicenna M, Multazam IN, Nussbaum L, Thabet AA, Ubalde D, Petrov P, Deljkovic A, Monteiro AL, Ribas A, Jovanovic M, Joana O, Knez R. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among trauma-exposed adolescents from low- and middle-income countries. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2021; 15:26. [PMID: 34090487 PMCID: PMC8180049 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-021-00378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to traumatic events in childhood is associated with the development and maintenance of various psychiatric disorders, but most frequently with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the types of traumatic events experienced and the presence and predictors of PTSD symptoms among adolescents from the general population from ten low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS Data were simultaneously collected from 3370 trauma-exposed adolescents (mean age = 15.41 [SD = 1.65] years, range 12-18; 1465 (43.5%) males and 1905 (56.5%) females) in Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Indonesia, Montenegro, Nigeria, the Palestinian Territories, the Philippines, Romania, and Serbia, with Portugal, a high-income country, as a reference point. The UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for the DSM-5 (PTSD-RI-5) was used for the assessment of traumatic events and PTSD symptoms. RESULTS The most frequently reported traumatic events were death of a close person (69.7%), witnessing violence other than domestic (40.5%), being in a natural disaster (34.4%) and witnessing violent death or serious injury of a close person (33.9%). In total, 28.5% adolescents endorsed two to three DSM-5 PTSD criteria symptoms. The rates of adolescents with symptoms from all four DSM-5 criteria for PTSD were 6.2-8.1% in Indonesia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, and 9.2-10.5% in Philippines, Croatia and Brazil. From Portugal, 10.7% adolescents fall into this category, while 13.2% and 15.3% for the Palestinian Territories and Nigeria, respectively. A logistic regression model showed that younger age, experiencing war, being forced to have sex, and greater severity of symptoms (persistent avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity) were significant predictors of fulfilling full PTSD criteria. CONCLUSIONS Nearly every third adolescent living in LMICs might have some PTSD symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event, while nearly one in ten might have sufficient symptoms for full DSM-5 PTSD diagnosis. The findings can inform the generation of PTSD burden estimates, allocation of health resources, and designing and implementing psychosocial interventions for PTSD in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusko Stupar
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Stevanovic
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Panos Vostanis
- School of Psychology, Leicester University, Leicester, UK
| | - Olayinka Atilola
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Paulo Moreira
- Lusíada University, Porto, Portugal
- CIPD, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Tomislav Franic
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Doric
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Davidovic
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Mohamad Avicenna
- Faculty of Psychology, State Islamic University Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Laura Nussbaum
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", Timisoara, Romania
| | - Abdul Aziz Thabet
- School of Public Health, Gaza Branch, Al Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestinian Territories, Israel
| | - Dino Ubalde
- Department of Psychology, St. Dominic College of Asia, City of Bacoor, Bacoor, Philippines
| | - Petar Petrov
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital St. Marina, Varna, Bulgaria
| | | | | | - Adriana Ribas
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rajna Knez
- Department of Pediatrics, Skaraborgs Hospital Skövde, Skövde, Sweden.
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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26
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Norbury A, Brinkman H, Kowalchyk M, Monti E, Pietrzak RH, Schiller D, Feder A. Latent cause inference during extinction learning in trauma-exposed individuals with and without PTSD. Psychol Med 2021; 52:1-12. [PMID: 33682653 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problems in learning that sights, sounds, or situations that were once associated with danger have become safe (extinction learning) may explain why some individuals suffer prolonged psychological distress following traumatic experiences. Although simple learning models have been unable to provide a convincing account of why this learning fails, it has recently been proposed that this may be explained by individual differences in beliefs about the causal structure of the environment. METHODS Here, we tested two competing hypotheses as to how differences in causal inference might be related to trauma-related psychopathology, using extinction learning data collected from clinically well-characterised individuals with varying degrees of post-traumatic stress (N = 56). Model parameters describing individual differences in causal inference were related to multiple post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptom dimensions via network analysis. RESULTS Individuals with more severe PTSD were more likely to assign observations from conditioning and extinction stages to a single underlying cause. Specifically, greater re-experiencing symptom severity was associated with a lower likelihood of inferring that multiple causes were active in the environment. CONCLUSIONS We interpret these results as providing evidence of a primary deficit in discriminative learning in participants with more severe PTSD. Specifically, a tendency to attribute a greater diversity of stimulus configurations to the same underlying cause resulted in greater uncertainty about stimulus-outcome associations, impeding learning both that certain stimuli were safe, and that certain stimuli were no longer dangerous. In the future, better understanding of the role of causal inference in trauma-related psychopathology may help refine cognitive therapies for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Norbury
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah Brinkman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Kowalchyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa Monti
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniela Schiller
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Feder
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Haselgruber A, Knefel M, Sölva K, Lueger-Schuster B. Foster children's complex psychopathology in the context of cumulative childhood trauma: The interplay of ICD-11 complex PTSD, dissociation, depression, and emotion regulation. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:372-380. [PMID: 33421865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foster children experience maltreatment at exceptionally high rates with increased risk to develop ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). While rates of comorbidity between CPTSD and various disorders are high, the interplay between constituent aspects of psychopathology is not clearly understood. No study used network analysis to model the interplay between these aspects as potentially maintaining a stable condition of psychopathology, and research on the etiology and maintenance of CPTSD in children is especially scarce. METHODS Altogether, 208 Austrian foster children completed a set of standardized measures, resulting in a final sample of N = 122 foster children meeting the inclusion criteria. Experiences of childhood trauma, ICD-11 CPTSD, depression, dissociation, adaptive, and maladaptive emotion regulation were assessed. Following an exploratory approach, analyses were conducted using latent single indicator factor scores in two network models. RESULTS Domains of CPTSD, PTSD and disturbances in self-organization (DSO), evidenced as most central factors in children's complex psychopathology. Including cumulative childhood trauma did not influence the connectedness of factors in any relevant way. Shortest direct paths from cumulative childhood trauma to CPTSD included dissociation (PTSD) and adaptive emotion regulation (DSO) as mediating factors. LIMITATIONS Results are based on a small sample of highly-traumatized foster children, potentially limiting current findings' generalizability. CONCLUSIONS CPTSD identified as central in children's complex psychopathology, while the role of childhood trauma seems stronger for the onset than the maintenance of such psychopathology. The current network revealed central disorders and distinct mediating factors as important targets for treatment strategies and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Knefel
- Unit of Psychotraumatology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Sölva
- Unit of Psychotraumatology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
AbstractMost out-of-home placed children have experienced early adversities, including maltreatment and neglect. A challenge for caregivers is to adequately interpret their foster child’s internal mental states and behavior. We examined caregivers’ mind-mindedness in out-of-home care, and the association among caregivers’ mind-mindedness (and its positive, neutral, and negative valence), recognition of the child’s trauma symptoms, and behavior problems. Participants (N = 138) were foster parents, family-home parents, and residential care workers. Caregivers’ mind-mindedness was assessed with the describe-your-child measure. Caregivers’ recognition of the child’s trauma symptoms, their child’s emotional symptoms, conduct problems, prosocial behavior, and quality of the caregiver-child relationship were assessed using caregivers’ reports. Foster parents produced more mental-state descriptors than did residential care workers. General mind-mindedness, as well as neutral and positive mind-mindedness, related negatively to conduct problems. Besides, positive mind-mindedness was associated with prosocial behavior and neutral mind-mindedness with a better quality of the caregiver-child relationship and fewer child conduct problems. Negative mind-mindedness related positively to the caregiver’s recognition of the child’s trauma symptoms, and indirectly, to emotional symptoms. In conclusion, mind-mindedness seems to be an essential characteristic of out-of-home caregivers, connected to the understanding of their child’s behavior problems and trauma symptoms, as well as to the relationship with the child. The findings suggest a possible use of mind-mindedness in out-of-home care evaluation and intervention.
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Gossmann K, Eilers R, Rosner R, Barke A. How do licensed psychotherapists in Germany feel about treating patients with posttraumatic stress symptoms? - an experimental study based on case vignettes. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1995265. [PMID: 34868487 PMCID: PMC8635540 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1995265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research indicates that not all children, adolescents and adults suffering from PTSD receive psychotherapy and if they do, trauma is not always considered during therapy. One reason for this undertreatment might be a limited readiness of licenced psychotherapists (LPTs) to treat patients who have experienced a trauma and thus suffer from PTSD symptoms. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to explore the association between the readiness of LPTs to treat patients with PTSD symptoms and different patients' and therapists' characteristics. METHOD We used case vignettes to assess the readiness of LPTs in Germany in a nationwide online survey (N = 768). The vignettes described patients with PTSD and were adapted to the age group mainly treated by the therapists (children/adolescents vs. adults). The patients' characteristics in the otherwise identical vignettes were randomized for patient gender (female vs. male) and symptom cluster (internalizing vs. externalizing). Rating scales were used to assess readiness. Additionally, therapists' characteristics (age, trauma-specific training, perceived fears/doubts, and objective barriers to treating the vignette patient) were assessed. RESULTS The patients' characteristics did not influence the treatment readiness of the LPTs. Regarding therapists' characteristics, LPTs working mainly with children and adolescents, and those who had completed trauma-specific training reported a higher readiness to treat the vignette patient. CONCLUSIONS Regarding the treatment of patients suffering from PTSD symptoms of different ages, our study indicated that the assessed therapists' characteristics were more relevant for the treatment readiness of LPTs than the patients' characteristics of age or symptom type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gossmann
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett, Germany
| | - Rebekka Eilers
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett, Germany
| | - Rita Rosner
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett, Germany
| | - Antonia Barke
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett, Germany
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30
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Cervin M, Salloum A, Ruth LJ, Storch EA. Posttraumatic Symptoms in 3-7 Year Old Trauma-Exposed Children: Links to Impairment, Other Mental Health Symptoms, Caregiver PTSD, and Caregiver Stress. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:1173-1183. [PMID: 33245454 PMCID: PMC8528747 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01093-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined how PTSD symptoms in young children are associated with other mental health symptoms and mood and functioning in caregivers. This is an important gap in the literature as such knowledge may be important for assessment and treatment. This study used network analysis to identify how the major symptom domains of PTSD in young trauma-exposed children were related to impairment, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, caregiver PTSD, and caregiver stress. Caregivers of 75 trauma-exposed 3-7 year old children reported on their child's symptoms and impairment and their own PTSD symptoms and caregiver stress. A strong association between the child PTSD domains of intrusions and avoidance emerged, which is in line with theoretical notions of how PTSD onsets and is maintained in adolescents and adults. Externalizing child symptoms were strongly linked to PTSD-related impairment and caregiver stress, highlighting the need to carefully assess and address such symptoms when working with young trauma-exposed children. Internalizing symptoms were uniquely associated with all three of the major childhood PTSD symptom domains with further implications for assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Cervin
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sofiavägen 2D, 22241, Lund, Sweden.
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31
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Liang Y, Li F, Zhou Y, Liu Z. Evolution of the network pattern of posttraumatic stress symptoms among children and adolescents exposed to a disaster. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 77:102330. [PMID: 33137592 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Growing network approach analyses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have enhanced the knowledge of PTSD symptomatology. This study aims to explore changes in network patterns of PTSD symptoms among youth survivors following the Zhouqu debris flow through a network approach. A two-year longitudinal study was conducted to follow 1460 children and adolescents at 3, 15, and 27 months after the disaster. Symptoms with high centrality varied at different time points. Sleep problems and nightmares exhibited high centrality at 3 months, and their centrality decreased over time, while the centrality of physiological cue reactivity and flashbacks increased over time and reached a high level at 27 months. The global connectivity of the network was stronger at 27 months than at 3 and 15 months. These findings provide novel insights into youths' PTSD symptom evolution. Temporal differences in PTSD symptoms merit more attention from researchers. Different core symptoms in acute and chronic PTSD structures should be treated as targets at different stages following trauma in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fenghua Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yueyue Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Wichers M, Riese H, Hodges TM, Snippe E, Bos FM. A Narrative Review of Network Studies in Depression: What Different Methodological Approaches Tell Us About Depression. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:719490. [PMID: 34777038 PMCID: PMC8581034 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.719490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The network theory of psychopathology proposes that mental disorders arise from direct interactions between symptoms. This theory provides a promising framework to understand the development and maintenance of mental disorders such as depression. In this narrative review, we summarize the literature on network studies in the field of depression. Four methodological network approaches are distinguished: (i) studies focusing on symptoms at the macro-level vs. (ii) on momentary states at the micro-level, and (iii) studies based on cross-sectional vs. (iv) time-series (dynamic) data. Fifty-six studies were identified. We found that different methodological approaches to network theory yielded largely inconsistent findings on depression. Centrality is a notable exception: the majority of studies identified either positive affect or anhedonia as central nodes. To aid future research in this field, we outline a novel complementary network theory, the momentary affect dynamics (MAD) network theory, to understand the development of depression. Furthermore, we provide directions for future research and discuss if and how networks might be used in clinical practice. We conclude that more empirical network studies are needed to determine whether the network theory of psychopathology can indeed enhance our understanding of the underlying structure of depression and advance clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Wichers
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Harriëtte Riese
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Taylor M Hodges
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Evelien Snippe
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Fionneke M Bos
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation, Groningen, Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Rob Giel Research Center, Groningen, Netherlands
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Ashaie SA, Hung J, Funkhouser CJ, Shankman SA, Cherney LR. Depression over Time in Persons with Stroke: A Network Analysis Approach. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021; 4:10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100131. [PMID: 34528021 PMCID: PMC8438599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Network analysis has been used to elucidate the relationships among depressive symptoms, but this approach has not been typically used in persons with stroke. METHOD Using a sample of 835 persons with stroke from Stroke Recovery in Underserved Populations 2005-2006 dataset, this study used network analysis to (1) examine changes in relationships between depressive symptoms over time, and (2) test whether baseline network characteristics were prognostic for depression persistence. Network analysis was performed on depressive symptoms collected at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and at 3-months and 12-months post-discharge. RESULTS The depressive symptom network at discharge was less connected than at both post-discharge follow-ups. Trouble focusing and feeling good as others were the most predictable symptoms at post-discharge, even though they were less connected to other depressive symptoms. Among participants with elevated baseline depression severity, those whose depression persisted 12 months later had more strongly connected networks at discharge than those who recovered 12 months later. LIMITATIONS This study was unable to determine the directionality of edges. The depression scale was administered differently across time points. CONCLUSION These results suggest that baseline network connectivity can predict the course of post-stroke depression, similar to non-stroke populations. More broadly, the study highlights the importance of examining relationships between individual depressive symptoms rather than only sum-scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer A Ashaie
- Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
| | - Jinyi Hung
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Carter J. Funkhouser
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Stewart A. Shankman
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
| | - Leora R Cherney
- Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
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Hornor G. Online Sexual Solicitation of Children and Adolescents. J Pediatr Health Care 2020; 34:610-618. [PMID: 33097171 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Technological advances have exploded in the new millennium. The Internet provides many opportunities to enrich the lives of youth by providing greater access to learning opportunities, valuable resources, and positive social interactions with peers. However, the Internet is a relatively new and unregulated entity that can also place children and adolescents at risk for a variety of negative and potentially dangerous exposures. One such risk is online sexual solicitations and interactions with older adolescents, peers, and adults. This continuing education article will explore online sexual solicitation of child and adolescents in terms of definition, epidemiology, predictors, consequences, and implications for practice.
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A network analysis of posttraumatic stress disorder and dissociation in trauma-exposed adolescents. J Anxiety Disord 2020; 72:102222. [PMID: 32272318 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociation have long been recognized to co-occur, leading the DSM-5 to introduce a dissociative subtype of PTSD into its nomenclature. Most research to date on the dissociative subtype has focused on adults. The current study aimed to extend this research to an adolescent sample and to examine symptom-level associations between PTSD and dissociation using network analysis. The analysis was conducted with 448 trauma-exposed detained US adolescents (24.55% female; mean age 15.98 ± 1.25 years). A network consisting of 20 DSM-5 PTSD symptoms was constructed, followed by a network consisting of 20 PTSD symptoms and five dissociative items. Expected influence bridge centrality was estimated to examine items with the most/strongest cross-construct connections (i.e. between PTSD and dissociation). The PTSD symptoms concentration problems, amnesia and recurrent memories and the dissociative items depersonalization, derealisation and can't remember things that happened had the highest bridge centrality values. These symptom-level associations extend our understanding of the PTSD-dissociation relationship by pointing to specific symptoms of PTSD and dissociation that may drive the co-morbidity between the two constructs. These findings may inform future intervention efforts.
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Kassam-Adams N, Olff M. Embracing data preservation, sharing, and re-use in traumatic stress research. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1739885. [PMID: 32341765 PMCID: PMC7170380 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1739885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This editorial argues that it is time for the traumatic stress field to join the growing international movement towards Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable (FAIR) research data, and that we are well-positioned to do so. The field has a huge, largely untapped resource in the enormous number of rich potentially re-usable datasets that are not currently shared or preserved. We have several promising shared data resources created via international collaborative efforts by traumatic stress researchers, but we do not yet have common standards for data description, sharing, or preservation. And, despite the promise of novel findings from data sharing and re-use, there are a number of barriers to researchers' adoption of FAIR data practices. We present a vision for the future of FAIR traumatic stress data, and a call to action for the traumatic stress research community and individual researchers and research teams to help achieve this vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Kassam-Adams
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Miranda Olff
- Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam (Universiteit Van Amsterdam), Amsterdam, Netherlands
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