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Lippard ETC, Nemeroff CB. Going beyond risk factor: Childhood maltreatment and associated modifiable targets to improve life-long outcomes in mood disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 215:173361. [PMID: 35219755 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment increases risk for mood disorders and is associated with earlier onset-and more pernicious disease course following onset-of mood disorders. While the majority of studies to date have been cross-sectional, longitudinal studies are emerging and support the devastating role(s) childhood maltreatment has on development of, and illness course in, mood disorders. This manuscript extends prior reviews to emphasize more recent work, highlighting longitudinal data, and discusses treatment studies that provide clues to mechanisms that mediate disease risk, course, relapse, and treatment response. Evidence suggesting systemic inflammation, alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neural systems, genetic and other familial factors as mechanisms that mediate risk and onset of, and illness course in, mood disorders following childhood maltreatment is discussed. Risky behaviors following maltreatment, e.g., substance use and unhealthy lifestyles, may further exacerbate alterations in the HPA axis, CRF neural systems, and systematic inflammation to contribute to a more pernicious disease course. More research on sex differences and the impact of maltreatment in vulnerable populations is needed. Future research needs to be aimed at leveraging knowledge on modifiable targets, going beyond childhood maltreatment as a risk factor, to inform prevention and treatment strategies and foster trauma-informed care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T C Lippard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Mulva Clinic for Neuroscience, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Mulva Clinic for Neuroscience, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
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2
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Peng B, Li J, Liu H, Fang H, Zhao W, Chen G, Xiu M, Zhang Y. Childhood Maltreatment, Low Serum Cortisol Levels, and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Young Adults With Major Depressive Disorders. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:822046. [PMID: 35722483 PMCID: PMC9203967 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.822046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious public health problem widely present among young adults and adolescents. While finding risk factors associated with NSSI among young patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is challenging, the current study aims to measure childhood adversity and serum cortisol levels and elucidate their relationship in MDD patients with NSSI. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 126 young patients with MDD (aged 16 to 35 years) were recruited. The depressive symptoms were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the childhood adversity was evaluated by the Chinese version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) scale. Serum cortisol levels were determined by the kits in patients. RESULTS Relative to MDD patients without NSSI, MDD patients with NSSI had a higher CTQ total score and its four subscores. Moreover, the cortisol levels in patients with MDD/NSSI were significantly decreased than in MDD patients without NSSI. For patients with MDD/NSSI, there is a negative association between cortisol levels and emotional neglect, but not for MDD patients without NSSI. Further regression analysis showed that low cortisol levels, BDI-II, and emotional neglect were risk factors for NSSI in young patients with MDD. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that young MDD patients with NSSI experience more childhood adversity and have lower cortisol levels. Also, lower cortisol levels were associated with childhood adversity but not with depressive symptoms. Further, lower cortisol levels, depressive symptoms, and emotional neglect were risk factors for NSSI in young patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Peng
- Department of Depressive Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinmeng Li
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Shenzhen Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Han Fang
- Department of Depressive Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weitan Zhao
- Department of Depressive Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guanjie Chen
- Department of Depressive Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meihong Xiu
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingli Zhang
- Department of Depressive Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Husain MI, Umer M, Chaudhry IB, Husain MO, Rahman R, Shakoor S, Khaliq A, Ali WM, Zaheer J, Bassett P, Mulsant BH, Chaudhry N, Husain N. Relationship between childhood trauma, personality, social support and depression in women attending general medical clinics in a low and middle-income country. J Affect Disord 2021; 292:526-533. [PMID: 34147964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.010] [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: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Associations between childhood trauma, personality, and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have been well established in studies conducted in high-income countries. However, there are limited studies on these associations in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where MDD is highly prevalent. We assessed the relationships between childhood trauma, personality, and MDD in women in Karachi, Pakistan. METHOD In this cross-sectional study of 455 female patients attending general medical outpatient clinics, a diagnosis of MDD was confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID); retrospective reports of childhood trauma were collected using the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ); and Big Five personality traits were assessed using the NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO PI-R). Other measures included the Life Events Questionnaire (LEQ) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Factors independently associated with MDD were determined using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Of the 455 women recruited between August 1, 2011 and July 31, 2013, 242 (53%) had a diagnosis of MDD. Women with MDD were significantly more likely to be separated, had more stressful life events and higher CTQ scores. Higher perceived social support, conscientiousness and extraversion were independently associated with significantly reduced odds of MDD. There were no significant associations between CTQ scores and any of the NEO PI-R subscales. LIMITATIONS Ratings of childhood trauma were based on retrospective recall. CONCLUSION MDD and a history of childhood trauma were highly prevalent in Pakistani women attending general medical clinics. Interventions to prevent childhood trauma and promote social support in women may improve public mental health in LMICs like Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ishrat Husain
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madeha Umer
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Imran B Chaudhry
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan; Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Omair Husain
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Raza Rahman
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Suleman Shakoor
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Khaliq
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Juveria Zaheer
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nasim Chaudhry
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan; Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Pakistan
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Bio DS, Moreno RA, Garcia-Otaduy MC, Nery F, Lafer B, Soeiro-de-Souza MG. Altered brain creatine cycle metabolites in bipolar I disorder with childhood abuse: A 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 109:110233. [PMID: 33387596 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood abuse (CA) is a risk factor for a number of psychiatric disorders and has been associated with higher risk of developing bipolar disorders (BD). CA in BD has been associated with more severe clinical outcomes, but the neurobiological explanation for this is unknown. Few studies have explored in vivo measurement of brain metabolites using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in CA and no studies have investigated the association of CA severity with brain neurometabolites in BD. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether CA severity is associated with changes in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neurometabolite profile in BD and HC subjects. METHODS Fifty-nine BD I euthymic patients and fifty-nine HC subjects were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and underwent a 3-Tesla 1H-MRS scan. Severity of childhood abuse (physical, sexual and emotional) and its association with levels of brain metabolites was analyzed within each group. RESULTS BD patients had higher total scores on the CTQ and higher severity rates of sexual and physical abuse compared to HC subjects. Greater severity of physical and sexual abuse was associated with increased ACC PCr level and lower Cr/PCr ratio in the BD group only. CONCLUSION Sexual and physical abuse in BD patients, but not in HC subjects, appeared to be associated with creatine metabolism in the ACC, which can influence neuronal mitochondrial energy production. Further studies should investigate whether this is the mechanism underlying the association between CA and worse clinical outcomes in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Soares Bio
- Mood Disorders Unit (PROGRUDA), Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Alberto Moreno
- Mood Disorders Unit (PROGRUDA), Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fabiano Nery
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, United States
| | - Beny Lafer
- Bipolar Disorders Program (PROMAN), Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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5
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Cho Y, Kim D, Kim SH. Prevalence and clinical correlates of childhood trauma among inpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder: a matched comparison with schizophrenia. PSYCHOSIS 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17522439.2020.1801818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Daeho Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Trauma and Stress Program, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, South Korea
| | - Seok-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Ventimiglia I, Van der Watt ASJ, Kidd M, Seedat S. Association between trauma exposure and mood trajectories in patients with mood disorders. J Affect Disord 2020; 262:237-246. [PMID: 31718804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma exposure is associated with the development of mood disorders and their phenotypic presentation. Cross-sectional associations between trauma exposure and mood disorders are well documented. Data on the association of trauma with longitudinal mood trajectories are lacking. We investigated the association between trauma exposure and weekly mood trajectories. METHOD Mood disorder patients (N = 107; female = 81; mean age = 37.04 years), assessed for trauma exposure at baseline using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Life Events Checklist (LEC), completed weekly telephonic mood assessments using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) and Altman Self-Rating Mania scale (ASRM) over a 16 week period commencing at one week post-discharge from hospital. Associations between trauma exposure, severity of mood symptoms and mood trajectories were analysed using Pearson's correlations, LS Mean scores, F-statistics, and RMANOVA. RESULTS Trauma exposure was persistently associated, albeit with some fluctuation in the strength of the association, with depressive symptomatology. Emotional abuse showed the most persistent association over time. Sexual abuse was minimally associated with depressive symptomatology. The severity of childhood trauma exposure was positively correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms. Lifetime traumatic events were significantly associated with mania scores, however there was no association between childhood trauma exposure and mania symptoms. CONCLUSION Identification of both a history of childhood abuse and neglect and lifetime traumatic event exposure is important in the assessment and management of patients with mood disorders, as trauma can exert a persistent impact on depression trajectories and on symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ventimiglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A S J Van der Watt
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - M Kidd
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - S Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Lippard ET, Nemeroff CB. The Devastating Clinical Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect: Increased Disease Vulnerability and Poor Treatment Response in Mood Disorders. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:20-36. [PMID: 31537091 PMCID: PMC6939135 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A large body of evidence has demonstrated that exposure to childhood maltreatment at any stage of development can have long-lasting consequences. It is associated with a marked increase in risk for psychiatric and medical disorders. This review summarizes the literature investigating the effects of childhood maltreatment on disease vulnerability for mood disorders, specifically summarizing cross-sectional and more recent longitudinal studies demonstrating that childhood maltreatment is more prevalent and is associated with increased risk for first mood episode, episode recurrence, greater comorbidities, and increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts in individuals with mood disorders. It summarizes the persistent alterations associated with childhood maltreatment, including alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and inflammatory cytokines, which may contribute to disease vulnerability and a more pernicious disease course. The authors discuss several candidate genes and environmental factors (for example, substance use) that may alter disease vulnerability and illness course and neurobiological associations that may mediate these relationships following childhood maltreatment. Studies provide insight into modifiable mechanisms and provide direction to improve both treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T.C. Lippard
- Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA,Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX USA,Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, TX USA,Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA,Mulva Clinic for Neuroscience, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA,Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX USA,Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, TX USA,Mulva Clinic for Neuroscience, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX
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Mandelli L, Petrelli C, Serretti A. The role of specific early trauma in adult depression: A meta-analysis of published literature. Childhood trauma and adult depression. Eur Psychiatry 2015; 30:665-80. [PMID: 26078093 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large literature has long focused on the role of trauma in childhood and risk for psychological disorders in adulthood. Despite several studies performed, to date, it is not clear which weight have different childhood stressors specifically on the risk for depression in adult life. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature in order to assess the effective role of childhood traumas as risk factor in the onset of depressive disorders in adults. METHODS Previously published papers investigating the exposure to childhood trauma and their association with depression in adult subjects were retrieved in literature through common databases. Meta-analysis was conducted by the RevMan software. The quality of studies was evaluated by an adapted version of the New-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale; bias publication was evaluated by the Egger's test. Meta-regression analysis was employed to detect potential confounders and/or moderating variables. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was post-hoc performed to control for potential confounders. RESULTS Emotional abuse showed the strongest association with depression (OR=2.78) followed by neglect (OR=2.75) and sexual abuse (OR=2.42). Significant associations were also found for domestic violence (OR=2.06) and physical abuse (OR=1.98). Nevertheless, in post-hoc analysis, emotional abuse and neglect showed the strongest associations with depression as compared to other kinds of child trauma. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the role of neglect and emotional abuse as significantly associated to depression. Sexual/physical abuse or violence in family may be unspecific risk factors for mental disturbance. Other kind of trauma may play a less relevant role in risk of adult depression, though they should be not underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mandelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, V.le C. Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy.
| | - C Petrelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Metabolism and Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - A Serretti
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, V.le C. Pepoli 5, 40123 Bologna, Italy
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Carr CP, Martins CMS, Stingel AM, Lemgruber VB, Juruena MF. The role of early life stress in adult psychiatric disorders: a systematic review according to childhood trauma subtypes. J Nerv Ment Dis 2013; 201:1007-20. [PMID: 24284634 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 506] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS; sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect) has been the focus of numerous studies. It has been associated with the onset and the severity of psychiatric disorders in adults. The objective of this study was to review the literature on ELS associated with psychiatric disorders in adulthood, seeking to identify whether there are independent effects between subtypes of early stress in triggering psychopathology in adults. We reviewed articles from 2001 to 2011 in four databases (PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and PsycINFO), with the following key words: child abuse, maltreatment, early life stress, psychiatric disorders, mental disease, and psychopathology. Forty-four articles were selected, and most of these articles demonstrate that the subtypes of ELS are associated with several psychiatric disorders, more specifically: physical abuse, sexual abuse, and unspecified neglect with mood disorders and anxiety disorders; emotional abuse with personality disorders and schizophrenia; and physical neglect with personality disorders. Physical neglect had the weakest association between the subtypes. ELS subtypes in childhood and adolescence can predict the development of psychopathology in adults. Scientific evidence shows that ELS triggers, aggravates, maintains, and increases the recurrence of psychiatric disorders. These results demonstrate the importance of a deeper understanding about the unique effects of ELS subtypes, especially for mental health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Passmann Carr
- *Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; †Psychiatric Service of Santa Casa de Misericordia of Rio de Janeiro (SCMRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and ‡Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dale LP, Carroll LE, Galen G, Hayes JA, Webb KW, Porges SW. Abuse history is related to autonomic regulation to mild exercise and psychological wellbeing. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2009; 34:299-308. [PMID: 19707870 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-009-9111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the potential impact of abuse history on autonomic regulation and psychological wellbeing in a sample of women who reported a history of abuse without Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. To measure autonomic regulation, heart rate data was collected before and after the participant rode a stationary bike for one mile. We found that abuse history was associated with less vagal regulation of the heart (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and an inability to rapidly re-engage vagal regulation immediately following mild exercise to support a calm physiological state. These findings are consistent with clinical impressions that abused individuals may have a lower threshold to express fight/flight behaviors in response to stress and have difficulty shifting from mobilization to calmness. We also found that abuse history was related to psychological wellbeing. Women with an abuse history reported a greater use of dysfunctional coping methods and lower self-concept. Further, analyses indicated that there was a cumulative effect, whereby women who reported more recent abuse reported using more dysfunctional coping methods, having more mood disturbance, and lower self-concept. The findings underscore the importance of evaluating both the psychological and physiological effects of trauma, even in the absence of a diagnosis of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes P Dale
- Department of Psychology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA.
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