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Vogel M, McCuddy T, Mathias B, Rezey ML, Kaser T. Assessing the acute effects of exposure to community violence among adolescents: A strategic comparison approach. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2024; 121:103026. [PMID: 38871432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2024.103026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
This paper examines whether exposure to spatially proximate homicide affects norms, attitudes, and the adaptive strategies adolescents take to insulate themselves from violent victimization. Drawing on survey data from a large sample of urban youth (n = 3195), we assess the impact of homicides occurring within a one-mile radius of respondents' homes on a variety of psychosocial outcomes. We exploit random variation in the timing of survey administration to compare the survey responses of youths who were exposed to a homicide in the immediate vicinity of their homes in the one-month period leading up the administration of the survey with students who did not experience a homicide near their homes during that period but would the following month. This strategic comparison approach minimizes the confounding influence of endogenous processes that funnel children and families into places where homicides tend to concentrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Vogel
- School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany, SUNY, USA.
| | - Tim McCuddy
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Memphis, USA
| | | | - Maribeth L Rezey
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Loyola University Chicago, USA
| | - Taylor Kaser
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, USA
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Chaudhary V, Walia GK, Devi NK, Shekhawat LS, Saraswathy KN. Adverse childhood experiences in mental health of young adults: An exploratory study from Delhi-NCR, India. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2024; 70:445-456. [PMID: 38063051 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231214986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing realization regarding the importance of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in adult health outcomes, this area of research has received little scientific attention in low- and middle-income countries, including India. AIMS To understand the overall and domain-specific association of exposure to ACEs with current depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being among young adults of Delhi-NCR. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out among 1,812 young adults (aged 18-25 years) of both sexes (68.7% females). Fieldwork was conducted on the campuses of the University of Delhi, Delhi, and Amity University, Noida, India. ACEs, depression, anxiety, stress, and well-being were screened using the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, and WHO-5 Well-Being Index, respectively. RESULTS Exposure to ACEs was found to increase the odds of moderate/severe depression, moderate/severe anxiety, and high stress and decreased the odds of good well-being in a dose-response manner. Being bullied, followed by emotional abuse, was associated with the highest odds of current moderate/severe depression, moderate/severe anxiety, and high stress and the lowest odds of good well-being. Further, while several domains of household dysfunction showed poor association with studied mental health outcomes, domains of abuse and violence were more consistently associated. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed the detrimental impact of ACEs on mental health outcomes among young adults of Delhi-NCR, India, and underscored the relevance of ACEs in the Indian context. Considering the lack of trauma awareness in Indian societies, there is an urgent need to create widespread awareness regarding ACEs and associated health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lokesh Singh Shekhawat
- Department of Psychiatry, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi, India
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Putra IGNE, McInerney AM, Robinson E, Deschênes SS. Neighbourhood characteristics and socioeconomic inequalities in child mental health: Cross-sectional and longitudinal findings from the Growing Up in Ireland study. Health Place 2024; 86:103180. [PMID: 38301383 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103180] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the role of neighbourhood characteristics in explaining socioeconomic inequalities in child mental health (the total difficulties score from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) using data from Cohort '08 of Growing Up in Ireland Waves 3 (age 5; baseline) and 5 (age 9; follow-up). Twenty neighbourhood items were grouped into neighbourhood safety, built environments, cohesion, interaction, and disorder. Data were analysed using regression, single and multiple mediation, and network psychometric analyses. We found that neighbourhood safety, cohesion, interaction, and disorder were associated with child mental health. These four domains separately (by up to 18 %) or in concert (by up to 23 %) partially explained socioeconomic inequalities in child mental health. Built environments may explain socioeconomic inequalities in mental health in urban children only. Findings from network analysis indicated that specific concerns over "people being drunk or taking drugs in public" and "this is a safe neighbourhood" had the strongest connections with child mental health. Improving neighbourhood characteristics may be important to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in child mental health in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gusti Ngurah Edi Putra
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Amy M McInerney
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eric Robinson
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Pérez-Sastré MA, García-Peña C, Ramos-Lira L, Ortiz-Hernández L. Beyond direct exposure to violence: effects of living in disordered and violent communities on psychological distress in young Mexican people. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2024; 40:e00058123. [PMID: 38324861 PMCID: PMC10841348 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xen058123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The association between community violence and mental health has been studied by reports of individual experiences, particularly in adolescents and youths, but little is known about the effect of living in disordered and violent communities. This study aims to determine the possible relation between living in disordered and violent community environments and psychological distress in Mexican adolescents and youths regardless of their individual experience of victimization and to assess the potential modifying effect of sex and age on this association. Data come from a cross-sectional survey with a representative sample of adolescents and youths living in Mexican municipalities, including 39,639 participants aged from 12 to 29 years. Disordered and violent community environments were assessed using reports from a secondary sample of adults who lived in the same communities as participants. Using exploratory factor analysis, three contextual variables related to disordered and violent community environment were created: social disorder, vandalism, and criminality. Multilevel linear regression models with random intercept were estimated. Adolescents and youths who lived in environments with higher social disorder had more psychological distress. Men in environments with greater vandalism had a higher level of psychological distress. Unexpectedly, women from communities with higher levels of crime had fewer symptoms. It is necessary to address the violence that exists in these communities, creating strategies that reduce not only crime, but also the social disorder and vandalism that could contribute to developing negative effects on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Pérez-Sastré
- Doctorado en Ciencias Médicas, Odontológicas y de Salud, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Luciana Ramos-Lira
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luis Ortiz-Hernández
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana - Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, México
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Song J. Patterns of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychiatric Disorders Among Adolescents with ADHD: A Latent Class Analysis. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01645-3. [PMID: 38110757 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01645-3] [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] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
There is limited existing research on whether specific combinations of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with different psychiatric disorders among adolescents with ADHD. This study aimed to address this gap by identifying classes of ACEs and examining their association with behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression in adolescents with ADHD aged 11-17 (n = 1,806), using data from the 2018 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). A latent class analysis revealed a four-class solution: (1) low-risk ACEs (61.6%), (2) moderate-risk ACEs (25.2%), (3) high discrimination and neighborhood violence exposure (7.6%), and (4) high-risk ACEs (5.6%). The "high-risk ACEs" and the "high discrimination and neighborhood violence exposure" class showed a higher likelihood of behavioral problems and depression, and anxiety and depression respectively. These findings provide some insight into the ACE patterns that are more likely to be associated with mental health problems among adolescents with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihee Song
- Florida Department of Children and Families, Tallahassee, FL, 32303, USA.
- Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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Gehris JS, Oyeyemi AL, Baishya ML, Roth SC, Stoutenberg M. The role of physical activity in the relationship between exposure to community violence and mental health: A systematic review. Prev Med Rep 2023; 36:102509. [PMID: 38116284 PMCID: PMC10728451 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Community violence is a global public health problem that is associated with mental health disorders. Physical activity can enhance mental health and may play an important role in the relationship between exposure to community violence and mental health. We systematically reviewed the literature to better understand the potential role of physical activity in this relationship. In this review, we searched the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, PsycInfo, and SPORTdiscus, and conducted a grey literature search of one clinical trials registry and four organizations' websites. The review included quantitative observational studies, intervention studies, and qualitative studies published by November 30, 2022 and that involved generally healthy individuals across the lifespan. Eligible studies included measures of community violence, mental health, and physical activity. Five studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Four studies were conducted in high-income countries, only two minority populations were represented in the studies, and none of the studies included older adults or children. Studies defined and measured community violence, mental health, and physical activity in different ways. In most studies, physical activity was not a primary focus but assessed as one item within a larger construct. The role of physical activity was examined differently across the studies and only one study found a significant role (mediator) of physical activity. This review revealed that few studies have specifically examined physical activity's role in the relationship between exposure to community violence and mental health. Further research is needed involving low-income countries, diverse minority populations, and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S. Gehris
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1800 North Broad Street, 251 Pearson Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Adewale L. Oyeyemi
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, 425 North 5th Street, Arizona Biomedical Collaborative, Room 234, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Mona L. Baishya
- College of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
| | - Stephanie C. Roth
- Biomedical & Research Services Librarian, Temple University Health Sciences Library, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Mark Stoutenberg
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1800 North Broad Street, 237 Pearson Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Fazel M, Soneson E. Current evidence and opportunities in child and adolescent public mental health: a research review. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1699-1719. [PMID: 37771261 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A public mental health lens is increasingly required to better understand the complex and multifactorial influences of interpersonal, community and institutional systems on the mental health of children and adolescents. METHODS This research review (1) provides an overview of public mental health and proposes a new interactional schema that can guide research and practice, (2) summarises recent evidence on public mental health interventions for children and adolescents, (3) highlights current challenges for this population that might benefit from additional attention and (4) discusses methodological and conceptual hurdles and proposes potential solutions. RESULTS In our evidence review, a broad range of universal, selective and indicated interventions with a variety of targets, mechanisms and settings were identified, some of which (most notably parenting programmes and various school-based interventions) have demonstrated small-to-modest positive effects. Few, however, have achieved sustained mental health improvements. CONCLUSIONS There is an opportunity to re-think how public mental health interventions are designed, evaluated and implemented. Deliberate design, encompassing careful consideration of the aims and population-level impacts of interventions, complemented by measurement that embraces complexity through more in-depth characterisation, or 'phenotyping', of interpersonal and environmental elements is needed. Opportunities to improve child and adolescent mental health outcomes are gaining unprecedented momentum. Innovative new methodology, heightened public awareness, institutional interest and supportive funding can enable enhanced study of public mental health that does not shy away from complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Soneson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Miliauskas CR, Junger W, Hellwig N, Bloch KV, de Souza Lopes C. Community violence in neighborhoods and common mental disorders among Brazilian adolescents. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:772. [PMID: 37872524 PMCID: PMC10594681 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05269-8] [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: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the association between exposure to neighborhood violence and the presence of common mental disorders (CMDs) among Brazilian adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. Additionally, we aim to analyze whether sex, age and race are modifiers of the effect of this association. METHODS The study comprised 1,686 adolescents residing in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, situated in the Southeast region of Brazil. To measure exposure to community violence, we constructed three crime indicators using data from Civil Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro: crimes against property, nonlethal crimes, and lethal crimes. Employing geospatial analysis based on the adolescents' residence location, logistic regression modeling was performed to measure the association between violence and CMDs. RESULTS Adolescents living in regions with higher rates of the three types of violence studied herein were more likely to have CMDs, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 2.33 to 2.99. When stratified by sex, age and race, girls, older adolescents and blacks have a greater magnitude of effect on the measure of association, indicating a heightened risk for CMDs. CONCLUSION This study provides important contributions to the public health field, as it reveals new information on the influence of community violence on the mental health of adolescents. Given the elevated rates of violence globally, knowing the effects of such violence on adolescents becomes crucial for the prevention and treatment of CMDs within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Reis Miliauskas
- Medical Sciences College, Department of Medical Specialties, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Vinte E Oito de Setembro Avenue, 77, 4 Floor, 432. Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, 20.551-030, Brazil.
- Institute of Social Medicine, State University of Rio de Janeiro, São Francisco Xavier Street, 524, Maracanã, 7 Floor, Rio de Janeiro, 20.550-013, Brazil.
| | - Washington Junger
- Institute of Social Medicine, State University of Rio de Janeiro, São Francisco Xavier Street, 524, Maracanã, 7 Floor, Rio de Janeiro, 20.550-013, Brazil
| | - Natalia Hellwig
- Institute of Social Medicine, State University of Rio de Janeiro, São Francisco Xavier Street, 524, Maracanã, 7 Floor, Rio de Janeiro, 20.550-013, Brazil
| | - Katia Vergetti Bloch
- Institute of Studies in Public Health at Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro (IESC), Horácio de Macedo Avenue, no number, Ilha Do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Claudia de Souza Lopes
- Institute of Social Medicine, State University of Rio de Janeiro, São Francisco Xavier Street, 524, Maracanã, 7 Floor, Rio de Janeiro, 20.550-013, Brazil
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Isaksson J, Isaksson M, Stickley A, Vermeiren R, Koposov R, Schwab-Stone M, Ruchkin V. Community Violence Exposure and Eating Disorder Symptoms among Belgian, Russian and US Adolescents: Cross-Country and Gender Perspectives. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01590-1. [PMID: 37606867 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Community violence exposure (CVE) is one of the most common adverse childhood experiences worldwide. Despite this, its potential effect on disordered eating in adolescents from different cultures is underexplored. In the present cross-sectional study, self-reported data were collected from 9751 students (Mean age = 14.27) from Belgium, Russia and the US on CVE (witnessing violence and violence victimization), eating disorder (ED) symptoms (ED thoughts with associated compensatory behaviors), and comorbid symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression and anxiety. Increased CVE (from no exposure to witnessing to victimization) was associated with more ED symptoms, and the associations remained significant after adjusting for comorbid conditions. The associations were similar for adolescents across the three countries. No gender differences were observed in the association between CVE and ED symptoms, even though girls in general reported more ED symptoms than boys. We conclude that CVE appears to be associated with ED symptoms in three culturally different samples of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Isaksson
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martina Isaksson
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrew Stickley
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Stockholm Center for Health and Social Change (SCOHOST), Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Robert Vermeiren
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Roman Koposov
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsö, Norway
- Department of Epidemiology and Modern Technologies of Vaccination, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mary Schwab-Stone
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Vladislav Ruchkin
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA.
- Sala Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sala, Sweden.
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Ruchkin V, Isaksson J, Stickley A, Schwab-Stone M. Longitudinal Associations Between Community Violence Exposure and Mental Health Problems in Inner-City Youth: Ethnicity and Gender Perspectives. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:8619-8644. [PMID: 36915222 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231158754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a lack of agreement on whether children and adolescents with different cultural/ethnic backgrounds react to trauma in a similar fashion. This study adds to the existing literature by providing ethnicity and gender perspectives on the longitudinal associations between the degree of community violence exposure (CVE) and mental health problems in U.S. inner-city youth. The study was conducted on a representative sample of predominantly ethnic minority youth (N = 2,794; 54.1% female; age 11-16 years old (M [SD] = 12.77 [1.29]); 60.0% African-American, 26.1% Hispanic American, 13.9% White). Self-reported information was obtained on CVE in year 1 and on mental health problems (depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and conduct problems) in year 1 and year 2. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to compare mental health problems in youth from the three ethnic groups in relation to the different degrees of CVE experienced one year prior, while controlling for their baseline mental health problem levels, age, and socio-economic status. Mental health problems in year 2 increased in a similar fashion in relation to the degree of severity of CVE in year 1 in all three ethnic groups. The interaction effects suggested a gender-specific response to CVE, where girls in the three ethnic groups reported higher levels of depression and posttraumatic stress in relation to the same degree of CVE, as compared to boys. Adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds respond similarly to differing degrees of CVE with an increase in mental health problems over time. In response to a similar degree of exposure, girls tend to experience greater levels of internalizing problems than boys. Timely recognition of traumatic exposure and associated mental health problems is important for early prevention and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Ruchkin
- Uppsala University, Sweden
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Sala Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sweden
| | | | - Andrew Stickley
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
- Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
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