1
|
Mbiydzenyuy NE, Joanna Hemmings SM, Shabangu TW, Qulu-Appiah L. Exploring the influence of stress on aggressive behavior and sexual function: Role of neuromodulator pathways and epigenetics. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27501. [PMID: 38486749 PMCID: PMC10937706 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can significantly influence both aggressive behavior and sexual function. This review explores the intricate relationship between stress, neuromodulator pathways, and epigenetics, shedding light on the various mechanisms that underlie these connections. While the role of stress in both aggression and sexual behavior is well-documented, the mechanisms through which it exerts its effects are multifarious and not yet fully understood. The review begins by delving into the potential influence of stress on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, glucocorticoids, and the neuromodulators involved in the stress response. The intricate interplay between these systems, which encompasses the regulation of stress hormones, is central to understanding how stress may contribute to aggressive behavior and sexual function. Several neuromodulator pathways are implicated in both stress and behavior regulation. We explore the roles of norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, and androgens in mediating the effects of stress on aggression and sexual function. It is important to distinguish between general sexual behavior, sexual motivation, and the distinct category of "sexual aggression" as separate constructs, each necessitating specific examination. Additionally, epigenetic mechanisms emerge as crucial factors that link stress to changes in gene expression patterns and, subsequently, to behavior. We then discuss how epigenetic modifications can occur in response to stress exposure, altering the regulation of genes associated with stress, aggression, and sexual function. While numerous studies support the association between epigenetic changes and stress-induced behavior, more research is necessary to establish definitive links. Throughout this exploration, it becomes increasingly clear that the relationship between stress, neuromodulator pathways, and epigenetics is intricate and multifaceted. The review emphasizes the need for further research, particularly in the context of human studies, to provide clinical significance and to validate the existing findings from animal models. By better understanding how stress influences aggressive behavior and sexual function through neuromodulator pathways and epigenetic modifications, this research aims to contribute to the development of innovative protocols of precision medicine and more effective strategies for managing the consequences of stress on human behavior. This may also pave way for further research into risk factors and underlying mechanisms that may associate stress with sexual aggression which finds application not only in neuroscience, but also law, ethics, and the humanities in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Basic Science Department, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, P.O Box 71191, Ndola, Zambia
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Cape Town South Africa
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Division of Molecular Biology & Human Genetics, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Cape Town South Africa
| | - Thando W. Shabangu
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Cape Town South Africa
| | - Lihle Qulu-Appiah
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, Cape Town South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Suarez A, Yakupova V. Childbirth experiences of women with a history of physical, sexual, and child abuse: a cross-sectional study of 2,575 Russian women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:186. [PMID: 38459457 PMCID: PMC10921683 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial number of women who subsequently become pregnant and give birth have a history of physical, sexual, and/or child abuse. This study investigated the associations of these types of traumas and their cumulative effect with childbirth experiences, namely, mode of birth, maternal and child complications during pregnancy/childbirth, preterm birth, medical procedures, and obstetric violence during labour. METHODS A group of Russian women (n = 2,575) who gave birth within the previous 12 months, completed a web-based survey, where they provided demographic information, details about their childbirth experiences, and a history of trauma. RESULTS Women with any type of past abuse were at higher risk for maternal complications during pregnancy/childbirth (exp(β) < 0.73, p < 0.010 for all). More specific to the type of trauma were associations of physical abuse with caesarean birth, child abuse with complications during pregnancy/childbirth for the baby, and physical and child abuse with obstetric violence (exp(β) < 0.54, p < 0.022 for all). There was a cumulative effect of trauma for all the outcomes except for medical procedures during childbirth and preterm birth. CONCLUSION This study provides insights into potential different individual effects of physical, sexual, and/or child abuse as well as their cumulative impact on the childbirth experiences. The robust findings about maternal complications during pregnancy/childbirth and obstetric violence highlight the importance of trauma-informed care, supportive policies, and interventions to create safe and empowering birthing environments that prioritise patient autonomy, dignity, and respectful communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Suarez
- Department of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Mokhovaya St, 11/9, Moscow, 125009, Russia.
| | - Vera Yakupova
- Department of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Mokhovaya St, 11/9, Moscow, 125009, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saripalli AL, Ross DH, Murphy E, Gomez K, Thilges S, Harkenrider MM. Prevalence of trauma history and symptoms in patients who have received vaginal brachytherapy as part of their endometrial cancer treatment. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 185:68-74. [PMID: 38368815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) is an essential component of curative intent treatment for many patients with endometrial cancer. The prevalence of trauma history in this population is unknown and important to understand considering VBT requires patients to have an instrument vaginally inserted while in the vulnerable lithotomy position. We aim to identify patients treated with intracavitary VBT and collect survey data to assess trauma endpoints. METHODS We retrospectively identified patients with endometrial cancer who underwent intracavitary VBT at our institution between 01/2017 and 08/2022. Patients were mailed and/or electronically mailed a survey that included demographics, psychosocial background, and validated trauma surveys to be filled out as they relate to their trauma experiences prior to VBT and again considering any trauma symptomatology related to VBT. Electronic medical record review was performed. Descriptive statistics as well as multivariate analysis were performed. RESULTS 206 patients met inclusion criteria, 66 (32.1%) of whom returned the survey and were included for analysis. Thirty-two percent of patients self-reported a personal history of any prior mental health diagnosis. Eighty-eight percent of patients screened positive for a history of trauma exposure, 23% endorsed symptoms of PTSD related to their VBT experience, and 5% screened positive for a likely PTSD diagnosis from VBT. CONCLUSION A majority of included patients had a history of trauma exposure prior to VBT. In a subset of patients, VBT re-induced trauma and was considered to be an independent traumatic event. This study highlights the importance of practicing trauma informed care, particularly in this patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali L Saripalli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Dylan H Ross
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Elizabeth Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Kayéromi Gomez
- Biostatistics Collaborative Core, Clinical Research Office, Center for Translational Research and Education, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Sarah Thilges
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Matthew M Harkenrider
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen YL, Huang KJ, Scoglio AAJ, Borgogna NC, Potenza MN, Blycker GR, Kraus SW. A Network Comparison of Sexual Dysfunction, Psychological Factors, and Body Dissociation between Individuals with and without Sexual Trauma Histories. J Trauma Dissociation 2024; 25:62-82. [PMID: 37415426 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2231915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is associated with psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Sexual dysfunctions are often attributed to dissociation symptoms in individuals who reported sexual trauma histories. This study utilized a network approach to analyze relationships between sexual and psychological symptoms and examine whether the identified network structures differed between individuals who reported a history of sexual trauma and those who did not. Sexual dysfunction, history of sexual trauma, internalizing symptoms, dissociation symptoms, sex-related shame, and negative body image were assessed in 1,937 United States college students (women = 69.5%). Nearly half (46.8%) of the participants reported a sexual trauma history in their lifetime. Using regularized partial correlation networks, the relationships between sexual and psychological symptoms were analyzed and compared between groups with and without trauma histories. Internalizing symptoms were positively correlated with sexual dysfunction regardless of the presence of sexual trauma history. Anxiety had a stronger influence in the trauma network than in the no-trauma network. Feeling separated from the body during sexual activity was a central symptom and was related to difficulties relaxing and enjoying sex only in the trauma network. Sex-related shame appeared to play a more important role in men compared to women. To improve clinical practice of assessing and treating sexual dysfunction, researchers and clinicians should consider core symptoms that connect different aspects of sexual and psychological functioning while being aware of the unique role of dissociation in the context of traumatic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Ling Chen
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Kuan-Ju Huang
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Arielle A J Scoglio
- Epidemiology Department, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bentley University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas C Borgogna
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gretchen R Blycker
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Shane W Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rowland GE, Roeckner A, Ely TD, Lebois LAM, van Rooij SJH, Bruce SE, Jovanovic T, House SL, Beaudoin FL, An X, Neylan TC, Clifford GD, Linnstaedt SD, Germine LT, Rauch SL, Haran JP, Storrow AB, Lewandowski C, Musey PI, Hendry PL, Sheikh S, Jones CW, Punches BE, Kurz MC, Gentile NT, Hudak LA, Pascual JL, Seamon MJ, Harris E, Pearson C, Merchant RC, Domeier RM, Rathlev NK, Sergot P, Sanchez LD, Miller MW, Pietrzak RH, Joormann J, Pizzagalli DA, Sheridan JF, Smoller JW, Harte SE, Elliott JM, Kessler RC, Koenen KC, McLean SA, Ressler KJ, Stevens JS, Harnett NG. Prior Sexual Trauma Exposure Impacts Posttraumatic Dysfunction and Neural Circuitry Following a Recent Traumatic Event in the AURORA Study. Biol Psychiatry Glob Open Sci 2023; 3:705-715. [PMID: 37881578 PMCID: PMC10593890 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prior sexual trauma (ST) is associated with greater risk for posttraumatic stress disorder after a subsequent traumatic event; however, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain opaque. We investigated longitudinal posttraumatic dysfunction and amygdala functional dynamics following admission to an emergency department for new primarily nonsexual trauma in participants with and without previous ST. Methods Participants (N = 2178) were recruited following acute trauma exposure (primarily motor vehicle collision). A subset (n = 242) completed magnetic resonance imaging that included a fearful faces task and a resting-state scan 2 weeks after the trauma. We investigated associations between prior ST and several dimensions of posttraumatic symptoms over 6 months. We further assessed amygdala activation and connectivity differences between groups with or without prior ST. Results Prior ST was associated with greater posttraumatic depression (F1,1120 = 28.35, p = 1.22 × 10-7, ηp2 = 0.06), anxiety (F1,1113 = 17.43, p = 3.21 × 10-5, ηp2 = 0.05), and posttraumatic stress disorder (F1,1027 = 11.34, p = 7.85 × 10-4, ηp2 = 0.04) severity and more maladaptive beliefs about pain (F1,1113 = 8.51, p = .004, ηp2 = 0.02) but was not related to amygdala reactivity to fearful versus neutral faces (all ps > .05). A secondary analysis revealed an interaction between ST and lifetime trauma load on the left amygdala to visual cortex connectivity (peak Z value: -4.41, corrected p < .02). Conclusions Findings suggest that prior ST is associated with heightened posttraumatic dysfunction following a new trauma exposure but not increased amygdala activity. In addition, ST may interact with lifetime trauma load to alter neural circuitry in visual processing regions following acute trauma exposure. Further research should probe the relationship between trauma type and visual circuitry in the acute aftermath of trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Rowland
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Alyssa Roeckner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Timothy D Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauren A M Lebois
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Steven E Bruce
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Stacey L House
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Francesca L Beaudoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Xinming An
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Gari D Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Laura T Germine
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- TheMany Brains Project, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Scott L Rauch
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - John P Haran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Alan B Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Paul I Musey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Phyllis L Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Sophia Sheikh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Christopher W Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Brittany E Punches
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Michael C Kurz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
- Center for Injury Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nina T Gentile
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lauren A Hudak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jose L Pascual
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark J Seamon
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erica Harris
- Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Roland C Merchant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert M Domeier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, Michigan
| | - Niels K Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Paulina Sergot
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas
| | - Leon D Sanchez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark W Miller
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - John F Sheridan
- Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Steven E Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - James M Elliott
- Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Samuel A McLean
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vardi N, Lazebnik T. The Causal Role of Lockdowns in COVID-19: Conclusions From Daily Epidemiological, Psychological, and Sociological Data. Psychiatr Q 2023; 94:321-341. [PMID: 37300735 PMCID: PMC10257173 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-023-10035-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Much has been written about the COVID-19 pandemic's epidemiological, psychological, and sociological consequences. Yet, the question about the role of the lockdown policy from psychological and sociological points of view has not been sufficiently addressed. Using epidemiological, psychological, and sociological daily data, we examined the causal role of lockdown and variation in morbidity referring to emotional and behavioral aspects. Dynamics of support requests to the Sahar organization concerning loneliness, depression, anxiety, family difficulties, and sexual trauma were investigated alongside processes of emergency and domestic violence reports to the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. By exploring the signals and predictive modeling for a situation with no lockdown implementation, the lockdown was found as a critical factor in distress rising among the general population, which could affect long after the improvement in pandemic case counts. Applications and implications are discussed in the context of decision-making in dealing with crises as well as the need to allocate resources for adaptive coping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noa Vardi
- Department of Psychology and The Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, 52900 Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Teddy Lazebnik
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
James LM, Leuthold AF, Georgopoulos AP. MEG neural signature of sexual trauma in women veterans with PTSD. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2135-2142. [PMID: 35786746 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06405-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has documented the utility of synchronous neural interactions (SNI) in classifying women veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related outcomes based on functional connectivity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Here, we extend that line of research to evaluate trauma-specific PTSD neural signatures with MEG in women veterans. Participants completed diagnostic interviews and underwent a task-free MEG scan from which SNI was computed. Thirty-five women veterans were diagnosed with PTSD due to sexual trauma and sixteen with PTSD due to non-sexual trauma. Strength of SNI was compared in women with and without sexual trauma, and linear discriminant analysis was used to classify the brain patterns of women with PTSD due to sexual trauma and non-sexual trauma. Comparison of SNI strength between the two groups revealed widespread hypercorrelation in women with sexual trauma relative to those without sexual trauma. Furthermore, using SNI, the brains of participants were classified as sexual trauma or non-sexual trauma with 100% accuracy. These findings bolster evidence supporting the utility of task-free SNI and suggest that neural signatures of PTSD are trauma-specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M James
- The PTSD Research Group, Brain Sciences Center (11B), Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,Center for Cognitive Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Arthur F Leuthold
- The PTSD Research Group, Brain Sciences Center (11B), Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Apostolos P Georgopoulos
- The PTSD Research Group, Brain Sciences Center (11B), Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Center for Cognitive Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gerges S, Haddad C, Daoud T, Tarabay C, Kossaify M, Haddad G, Hallit S. A cross-sectional study of current and lifetime sexual hallucinations and delusions in Lebanese patients with schizophrenia: frequency, characterization, and association with childhood traumatic experiences and disease severity. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:360. [PMID: 35624473 PMCID: PMC9136555 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Till that date, a sparse body of research has been dedicated to perusing psychotic symptoms of sexual type, particularly in psychiatric populations. Our study's objective was to delineate psychotic symptoms with a sexual content, namely sexual delusions and hallucinations, among inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Lebanon, and scrutinize their relationships with the severity of schizophrenia symptoms and childhood abusive events. METHODS We conducted structured interviews with 167 chronic schizophrenia patients, who completed the Questionnaire for Psychotic Symptoms with a Sexual Content, the Child Abuse Self-Report Scale, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. RESULTS 36.5% and 50.3% of the participants screened positive for current and lifetime episodes of sexual delusions and/or hallucinations, respectively. Alcohol drinking (aOR (adjusted odds ratio)current = 2.17; aORLifetime = 2.86) and increased psychological (aORcurrent = 1.09; aORLifetime = 1.09) and sexual (aORcurrent = 1.23; aORLifetime = 1.70) abuse were significantly associated with higher chances of experiencing current and lifetime sexual hallucinations and/or delusions. Additionally, an increased severity of schizophrenia symptoms (aOR = 1.02) was significantly associated with higher chances of current sexual hallucinations and/or delusions, whereas having a university level of education compared to primary (aOR = 0.15) was significantly associated with lower odds of current sexual hallucinations and/or delusions. CONCLUSION In sum, our findings suggest that sexual psychotic symptoms are prevalent in chronic schizophrenia patients, providing support for their associations with antecedents of childhood traumatic experiences, illness severity, and substance use disorders. They endorse the vitalness of preventive measures against abuse, in order to circumvent such phenomenological outcomes. Our study offers the first data on sexual hallucinations and delusions in a non-Western psychiatric population, thus allowing clinicians and researchers to draw featural comparisons across different cultural settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gerges
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- grid.512933.f0000 0004 0451 7867Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon ,INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.444428.a0000 0004 0508 3124School of Health Sciences, Modern University of Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tracy Daoud
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Christina Tarabay
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Mikhael Kossaify
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Georges Haddad
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon ,grid.512933.f0000 0004 0451 7867Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon. .,Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Harrison C, Parekh V. Sexual violence in patients with psychiatric conditions: Factors for consideration in case management. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 86:102303. [PMID: 34999299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Patients with underlying psychiatric conditions are vulnerable to the experience of sexual violence. Barriers and facilitators to disclosure exist, at the level of the individual, healthcare system, legal system and society in general. Management requires a trauma-informed approach with a focus on avoidance of stigma, optimisation of pre-existing psychiatric conditions and appropriate treatment of psychological sequalae. Preventive strategies by the patient, practitioner and healthcare system, may assist to reduce the risk of future sexual violence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Harrison
- Department of General Practice, School of Public and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - V Parekh
- ANU Medical School, ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brake CA, Tipsword JM, Badour CL. Mental contamination, disgust, and other negative emotions among survivors of sexual trauma: Results from a daily monitoring study. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 84:102477. [PMID: 34627103 PMCID: PMC8599658 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mental contamination (MC)-feelings of dirtiness triggered by internal sources-is a potentially important yet understudied factor for survivors of sexual trauma. MC has been linked to disgust and other negative emotions (e.g., shame, guilt) cross-sectionally and in lab-based paradigms but not yet examined in ecological contexts. Additionally, links between MC and distinct negative emotions have not been studied systematically. The present study thus modeled relationships between MC and specific emotions both across and within days over a daily monitoring period. Forty-one females with sexual trauma history and associated MC completed twice-daily assessments of MC and seven emotions (disgust, shame, guilt, anger, hopelessness, sadness, anxiety) over 2 weeks via a smartphone app. Baseline MC and average daily MC were largely associated with higher daily averages of negative emotions. Concurrently, within-person changes in MC and negative emotions were also positively linked. Unexpectedly, intraindividual changes in MC were largely not associated with later negative emotions, whereas several emotions were negatively associated with later MC. Notably, MC among screened sexual trauma survivors was much more prevalent compared to prior research. Clinical relevance and future recommendations for ecological research in trauma-related mental contamination are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Alex Brake
- Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School,Providence VA Medical Center
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nermo H, Willumsen T, Rognmo K, Thimm JC, Wang CEA, Johnsen JAK. Dental anxiety and potentially traumatic events: a cross-sectional study based on the Tromsø Study-Tromsø 7. BMC Oral Health 2021; 21:600. [PMID: 34814891 PMCID: PMC8609887 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01968-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of the study were to describe the prevalence of dental anxiety and the possible associations between dental anxiety and potentially traumatic events in an adult population. METHOD The study is based on cross-sectional questionnaire data from the 7th wave of the Tromsø Study, a study of the adult general population in the municipality of Tromsø carried out in 2015-2016. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale was used to measure dental anxiety across potentially traumatic events, oral health, dental attendance (avoidance) and current mental health symptoms (Hopkins Symptom Checklist). Individuals with high and low dental anxiety scores were compared to investigate differences in the distribution of potentially traumatic events, current mental health symptoms, avoidance, sex and oral health, and hierarchical multivariable regression was used to study the influence of traumatic events on dental anxiety. RESULTS High dental anxiety was reported by 2.9% of the sample and was most prevalent among females and in the youngest age groups. Individuals with high dental anxiety reported more current mental health symptoms, and they were more likely to report poorer oral health and more irregular dental visits compared to individuals with no or lower dental anxiety scores. Concerning traumatic events, the reporting of painful or frightening dental treatment showed the biggest difference between those with high dental anxiety and low dental anxiety scores (a moderate effect). The hierarchical regression model indicated that reporting sexual abuse, traumatic medical treatment in hospital and childhood neglect significantly predicted dental anxiety in the step they were entered in, but only sexual abuse remained a significant individual contributor after controlling for current mental health symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of high dental anxiety was lower than expected (2.9%), but dentally anxious individuals expressed a high burden of mental health symptoms, poor oral health and the avoidance of dental care. The regression analysis indicated that experiences with sexual abuse could affect dental anxiety levels in the absence of generalised symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hege Nermo
- The Public Dental Health Service Competence Center of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Tiril Willumsen
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Behavioural Science, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kamilla Rognmo
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jens C Thimm
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Centre for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jan-Are Kolset Johnsen
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bachoo S, Batura D. Fractures of the penis. Br J Hosp Med (Lond) 2021; 82:1-9. [PMID: 34726937 DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2020.0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A penile fracture is a traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa in an erect penis, usually as a result of blunt trauma during sexual activity. The aetiology varies with geographical region, with the USA and Europe having a higher incidence of sexual trauma and the Middle East having a higher rate of self-manipulation. Diagnosis is usually clinical, but numerous imaging modalities have been used to confirm the fracture site and to help plan appropriate surgical management. Clinical examination will find a detumescent penis with a diffuse penile swelling and ecchymosis: the classic eggplant sign. The penis will often deviate away from the side of the injury. A history of the patient's inability to pass urine after the injury or of blood at the urethral meatus suggests an associated urethral injury. Immediate surgical management is the mainstay of treatment, with many surgeons favouring a degloving approach. Penile fractures also carry a risk of urethral tears and urethral repair may be necessary. This article describes the aetiology, presentation and management of penile fractures to enable identification and treatment in daily clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samsara Bachoo
- Department of Urology, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Deepak Batura
- Department of Urology, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gordinier ME, Shields LBE, Davis MH, Cagata S, Lorenz DJ. Impact of Screening for Sexual Trauma in a Gynecologic Oncology Setting. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2021; 86:438-444. [PMID: 34515127 DOI: 10.1159/000518511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexual trauma poses a significant concern and is associated with heightened stress, negative health repercussions, and adverse economic effects. A history of abuse may increase a woman's risk of developing cancer, in particular cervical cancer. We analyzed the impact of screening for sexual abuse in a gynecologic oncology population. METHODS Patients were screened for sexual trauma in a gynecologic oncology clinic over 5 and a half years (April 1, 2011, to September 30, 2016) in this cohort study. The screening questions were selected by behavioral oncology physicians and integrated into the gynecologic history component of the new patient assessment. Patients who screened positive for a history of sexual abuse or intimate partner violence were offered a behavioral oncology referral. Providers were also questioned about the effect of screening on their practice. RESULTS Of the 1,423 consecutive patients screened for sexual trauma, a total of 164 patients (12%) disclosed a history of sexual abuse. Of the 133 patients who specified their age at the sexual trauma, the majority (107 [80%]) responded that they were a young child or early teen. Most patients (92%) declined counseling. Among individuals presenting with cancer, the distribution of cancer type was statistically different between those patients with and without a sexual trauma history (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION Screening for sexual trauma in a gynecologic oncologic population serves as a valuable opportunity to uncover a history of abuse that may increase a woman's susceptibility to cancer. This study demonstrates that screening for sexual abuse in a gynecologic oncology setting may be integrated into new patient interviews with minimal disruption. Identification of an undisclosed sexual trauma history allows for an opportunity to offer counseling and minimize the emotional distress that may be precipitated by treatment and exams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Gordinier
- Norton Cancer Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Lisa B E Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Sibyl Cagata
- Norton Cancer Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Douglas J Lorenz
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Decker SE, Ramsey CM, Ronzitti S, Kerns RD, Driscoll MA, Dziura J, Skanderson M, Bathulapalli H, Brandt CA, Haskell SG, Goulet JL. Military sexual trauma and suicidal ideation in VHA-care-seeking OEF/OIF/OND veterans without mental health diagnosis or treatment. Psychiatry Res 2021; 303:114089. [PMID: 34247061 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sexual trauma is a suicide risk factor. While military sexual trauma (MST) is frequently associated with suicidal ideation (SI) in women and men veterans who served in recent conflicts, less is known about MST's relationship to SI in veterans who have no documented mental health concerns. Of the 1.1 million post-9/11 veterans enrolled in the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) we examined 41,658 (12.3% women, 87.7% men) without evidence of mental health diagnosis or treatment and who were screened for MST and SI using the standard VHA clinical reminders between 2008 and 2013. Relative risk estimates were generated using separate models for women and men. MST was reported by 27.9% of women and 2.9% of men; SI by 14.7% and 16.5%, respectively. The adjusted relative risk of MST on SI was 1.65 (95% CI 1.35, 2.00) in women, and 1.49 (95% CI 1.26, 1.75) in men. In this sample of veterans without evidence of mental health diagnosis or treatment, MST was associated with a high risk of SI in both genders. Positive MST screening should prompt SI screening and risk management if indicated, and further study of barriers to mental healthcare among MST survivors at risk for suicide is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E Decker
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States; Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States.
| | - Christine M Ramsey
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States; Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Silvia Ronzitti
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Robert D Kerns
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Mary A Driscoll
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - James Dziura
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Harini Bathulapalli
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Cynthia A Brandt
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Sally G Haskell
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Joseph L Goulet
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, United States; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Asadi-Pooya AA, Beghi M, Baslet G. Is sexual trauma a risk factor for functional (psychogenic) seizures? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:58-63. [PMID: 34119526 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between functional seizures (FS) and sexual trauma has received attention in many previous studies. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been elucidated yet. The purpose of this narrative review is to explore and speculate on the underpinning neurobiological mechanisms for the association and link between sexual trauma and functional seizures. While existence of a causal relationship between a history of sexual trauma and functional seizures is plausible, it should be viewed and treated as a hypothesis. In explaining this hypothesis, we can speculate that interactions between genetic factors and a history of sexual trauma may contribute to the risk of experiencing functional seizures. Childhood sexual trauma may lead to structural and functional connectivity changes in the brain and dysregulation of the biological stress systems, particularly in women. These neurobiological changes speculatively may predispose patients to functional seizures later in life. Importantly, a history of sexual trauma has many other implications beyond the predisposition towards FS.
Collapse
|
16
|
Razi T, Walfisch A, Sheiner E, Abd Elrahim L, Zahalka S, Abdallah A, Wainstock T. #metoo? The association between sexual violence history and parturients' gynecological health and mental well-being. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 304:385-93. [PMID: 33527173 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-05977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual violence is a global health problem. We aimed to evaluate the association between self-reported history of sexual violence and parturients' health behaviors, focusing on routine gynecological care, and mental well-being. METHODS This was a retrospective questionnaire-based study, including mothers of newborns delivered at the "Soroka" University Medical Center (SUMC). Participants were asked to complete three validated questionnaires, including: screening for sexual violence history (SES), post-traumatic stress disorder (PDS) and post-partum depression (EPDS). Additionally, a demographic, pregnancy and gynecological history data questionnaire was completed, and medical record summarized. Multiple analyses were performed, comparing background and outcome variables across the different SES severity levels. Multivariable regression models were constructed, while adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS The study included 210 women. Of them, 26.3% (n = 57) reported unwanted sexual encounter, 23% (n = 50) reported coercion, 1.8% (n = 4) assault and attempted rape, and 1.4% (n = 3) reported rape. A significant association was found between sexual violence history and neglected gynecological care, positive EPDS screening, and reporting experiencing sexual trauma. Several multivariable regression models were constructed, to assess independent associations between sexual violence history and gynecological health-care characteristics, as well as EPDS score. Sexual violence history was found to be independently and significantly associated with a negative relationship with the gynecologist, avoidance of gynecological care, sub-optimal routine gynecological follow-up, and seeking a gynecologist for acute symptoms (adjusted OR = 0.356; 95% CI 0.169-0.749, adjusted OR = 0.369; 95% CI 0.170-0.804, adjusted OR = 2.255; 95% CI 1.187-4.283, and adjusted OR = 2.113; 95% CI 1.085-4.111, respectively), as well as with the risk of post-partum depression (adjusted OR = 4.46; 95% CI 2.03-9.81). All models adjusted for maternal age and ethnicity. CONCLUSION Sexual violence history is extremely common among post-partum women. It is independently associated with post-partum depression, neglected gynecological care, a negative relationship with the gynecologist, and with reporting of experiencing sexual trauma. Identifying populations at risk and taking active measures, may reduce distress and improve emotional well-being and family function.
Collapse
|
17
|
Easton SD, Parchment TM. "The whole wall fell apart, and I felt free for the first time": Men's perceptions of helpful responses during discussion of child sexual abuse. Child Abuse Negl 2021; 112:104922. [PMID: 33395596 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing awareness of the prevalence and consequences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) for boys. Disclosure experiences often impact long-term functioning following CSA. Current understanding around disclosure has evolved from a singular act of telling to a broader, reciprocal process that can include discussion. However, there is limited empirical evidence about what constitutes a helpful response from others during the discussion of CSA for men. OBJECTIVE This study examines the characteristics of a helpful response during the discussion of CSA among a large sample of men with histories of CSA. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants included 487 men ranging in age from 19 to 84 years (mean = 50.1) who completed an anonymous, one-time online survey as part of a larger project on men's health and well-being. Participants were recruited through research announcements on web sites and discussion boards of national organizations that support adult survivors of CSA. METHODS Narrative data from an open-ended prompt were analyzed using qualitative content and inductive thematic analyses over eleven months. RESULTS The analysis yielded five superordinate themes on men's perceptions of helpful responses from others during discussions of CSA: (1) experience; (2) personal characteristics; (3) specific actions; (4) therapeutic interventions; and (5) insights. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians and health care professionals should convey an awareness of CSA for boys, reach out to men dealing with difficulties tied to early trauma, and implement helpful response strategies in discussions of CSA. Family members, friends, and colleagues within men's social networks can also support recovery with helpful response strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott D Easton
- Boston College School of Social Work, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, McGuinn Hall, Room 207, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
| | - Tyrone M Parchment
- Boston College School of Social Work, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, McGuinn Hall, Room 135, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cherenack EM, Tolley EE, Kaaya S, Headley J, Baumgartner JN. Depression and Sexual Trauma Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in HIV-Prevention Research in Tanzania. Matern Child Health J 2020; 24:620-9. [PMID: 31993932 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-020-02888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical trials are necessary to test HIV-prevention strategies among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Psychosocial risk factors that increase girls' and young women's vulnerability for HIV may also impact their experiences in clinical trials. A better understanding of psychosocial risks among girls and young women enrolled in HIV-prevention research is needed. This analysis explores depression and sexual trauma among adolescent girls and young women enrolled in a mock microbicide trial in Tanzania. METHODS We collected cross-sectional data from 135 HIV-negative adolescent girls and young women between 15 and 21 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania enrolled in a mock microbicide trial. Depression, sexual behavior, and sexual trauma were measured. Sexual trauma and demographic variables were entered into a multivariate binomial logistic regression model predicting depression. FINDINGS Overall, 27% of participants had moderate-to-severe depression. The most commonly endorsed items were anhedonia (lack of interest/pleasure) and low mood, which were reported by 78% of participants. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm were endorsed by 17% of participants. Coerced/forced first sex was reported by 42% of participants. Participants reporting coerced/forced first sex had 3.16 times the likelihood of moderate-to-severe depression. CONCLUSIONS Depression and coerced/forced sex were common among participants in an HIV-prevention mock clinical trial in Tanzania. When enrolling adolescent girls and young women in HIV-prevention trials in sub-Saharan Africa, our research suggests the need for a trauma-informed approach, referrals for trauma and depression, and interventions that address the impact of depression and trauma on HIV prevention, clinical trial adherence, and clinical outcomes.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sylla M, Elion Ossibi P, Allimant P, Dan S, De Parades V. Rectal perforation following fist fornication. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2020; 44:e126-e128. [PMID: 31706986 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Sylla
- Digestive Hepatobiliary and Endocrine surgery Department, hôpital Emile-Muller, 20, avenue du Dr René-Laennec, 68100 Mulhouse, France.
| | - Pierlesky Elion Ossibi
- Visceral Surgery Department, hôpital Robert-Ballanger, boulevard Robert-Ballanger, 93600 Aulnay-sous-Bois, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Allimant
- Digestive Hepatobiliary and Endocrine surgery Department, hôpital Emile-Muller, 20, avenue du Dr René-Laennec, 68100 Mulhouse, France
| | - Sebastien Dan
- Digestive Hepatobiliary and Endocrine surgery Department, hôpital Emile-Muller, 20, avenue du Dr René-Laennec, 68100 Mulhouse, France
| | - Vincent De Parades
- Medico-Surgical Proctology Department, institut Léopold-Bellan, groupe hospitalier Paris, Saint-Joseph, 185, rue Raymond-Losserand, 75014 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Reinhardt KM, Zerubavel N, Young AS, Gallo M, Ramakrishnan N, Henry A, Zucker NL. A multi-method assessment of interoception among sexual trauma survivors. Physiol Behav 2020; 226:113108. [PMID: 32721494 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that many female sexual trauma survivors experience dissociation, particularly disconnection from the body, in the aftermath of sexual trauma. This study aims to address the open question of how sexual trauma is associated with awareness of inner body sensations (i.e., interoception). Given the important role that interoception has in emotion regulation, a process with which survivors often struggle, it is important to understand the associations between interoception and PTSD symptoms among survivors. Through multi-methods, we assessed associations between interoception, dissociation, and PTSD symptoms among 200 female sexual trauma survivors. We assessed two components of interoception: interoceptive accuracy (IAc: accurately perceiving internal body sensations; via heartbeat perception task) and interoceptive sensibility (IS: self-report perception of sensitivity to interoceptive sensations). We hypothesized that IAc and IS would be positively correlated with PTSD, with interactions between IAc/dissociation and IS/dissociation qualifying those main effects, weakening them for survivors with higher dissociation. Results showed an opposite pattern than was predicted: although IAc did explain significant PTSD variance, as IAc increased, PTSD decreased. Although IAc did explain significant variance in PTSD symptoms, interestingly, IS did not. Consistent with extant literature, dissociation predicted significant variance in PTSD. These correlational results suggest that the ability to more accurately perceive inner body sensations is related to lower PTSD symptoms. Findings provide a foundation for future research that can assess if interventions (such as yoga or exercise) that target increasing interoceptive accuracy lead to decreases in PTSD symptoms. We discuss further clinical implications, limitations and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Noga Zerubavel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, Duke University Medical Center
| | - Anna S Young
- University of Oregon; Oregon Health & Science University
| | | | | | | | - Nancy L Zucker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Clifford G, Hitchcock C, Dalgleish T. Negative and positive emotional complexity in the autobiographical representations of sexual trauma survivors. Behav Res Ther 2020; 126:103551. [PMID: 32014695 PMCID: PMC7033554 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the diversity of experienced positive and negative emotions - emodiversity - within two existing datasets involving female survivors of sexual abuse and assault, who all met criteria for chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as a diversity of comorbid diagnoses. Study 1 investigated the structure of the self-concept and Study 2 explored the organization of past autobiographical knowledge. In each study, we measured emodiversity for positive and negative emotion constructs in the trauma sample, relative to healthy control participants with no history of sexual trauma or PTSD. Results confirmed our hypotheses that individuals with a severe sexual trauma history and resultant PTSD would show elevated negative emodiversity and reduced positive diversity across both the structure of the self-concept and the structure of the life narrative, relative to control participants. The current results differ from community studies where greater negative emodiversity is associated with better mental health but mirror those from a prior study with individuals with Major Depressive Disorder. This suggests that valence-based differences in emodiversity may result from chronic emotional disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Clifford
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK.
| | - Caitlin Hitchcock
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge, CB2 7EF, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Myers L, Trobliger R, Bonafina M, Vazquez-Casals G, Lancman M, Lancman M. Depression, anxiety, and clinical history in Spanish-speaking American patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) compared with Spanish-speaking American patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106694. [PMID: 31760198 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare Spanish-speaking American patients with epilepsy to Spanish-speaking American patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) on depression, anxiety, and other clinical variables. BACKGROUND Research on Spanish-speaking American patients with epilepsy or PNES is relatively infrequent, with only a few studies on psychopathology in these two patient groups. Studies of English-speaking patients indicate that those with PNES present with greater depression and anxiety and report poorer quality of life (QOL) when compared with persons with epilepsy (PWEs). Similarly, although psychological trauma is observed in both groups, those with PNES appear to have more traumatic exposure compared with PWEs. METHODS This is a retrospective study of 74 Spanish-speaking PWEs (49 women, 31 men) and 34 Spanish-speaking patients with PNES (28 women, 4 men) (2004 to 2017). The diagnosis of epilepsy or PNES was confirmed with video-EEG. Demographic and clinical (psychological trauma, history of psychological treatment, etc.) data were collected, and Spanish versions of the Beck Depression Inventory - second edition (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were completed by the patients. RESULTS Patients with PWEs (M = 18.19, SD = 12.89) differed significantly from those with PNES on a measure of depression (BDI-II, (M = 24.12, SD = 11.20); t (92) = -2.22, p = 0.01). In addition, PWEs (M = 15.76, SD = 14.24) also differed significantly when compared with patients with PNES on a measure of anxiety (BAI, (M = 22.46, SD = 14.02); t (93) = -2.05, p = 0.02). Significant differences in clinical and demographic data were also noted. CONCLUSIONS Spanish-speaking American patients with PNES were significantly more depressed and anxious and reported greater exposure to sexual trauma as compared with PWEs. Furthermore, patients with PNES tended to report more prediagnosis utilization of mental health services than PWEs. After adjusting for potential linear effects of other predictors (e.g., gender, age, seizure frequency, and psychological trauma), only a reported history of psychological trauma had a linear relationship with a depression score while higher seizure frequency and history of mental health treatment had linear relationships with an anxiety score.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
A tropology of moral injury and corruption long framed the plight of the sex crime victim. Nineteenth-century psychiatric acknowledgment of adverse sexual experience reflected general trends in etiological thought, especially on 'epileptic' and hysteric seizures, but on the whole remained descriptive, guarded and limited. Various experiential threats to the modern sexual self beyond assault and rape were granted etiological significance, however: illegitimate motherhood, masturbatory guilt, sexual enlightenment, 'homosexual seduction' and chance encounters leading to fetishistic fixation. These minor early appeals to medical psychology help us appreciate the multiple nuances of 'sexual trauma' advanced in Breuer and Freud's Studies on Hysteria (1895) and Freud's subsequent work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diederik F. Janssen
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University (external PhD programme), The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Browne KC, Dolan M, Simpson TL, Fortney JC, Lehavot K. Regular past year cannabis use in women veterans and associations with sexual trauma. Addict Behav 2018; 84:144-150. [PMID: 29684763 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study sought to describe the prevalence of regular past year cannabis use (i.e., at least monthly use) in women veterans, to characterize women veterans reporting this level of use, and to examine the independent contributions of sexual trauma across the lifespan on regular past year cannabis use. METHODS A national online survey on women veterans' health, with targeted oversampling of lesbian and bisexual women, collected data from US armed forces women veterans, 18 or older, living in the US (N = 636). RESULTS Eleven percent of women reported regular cannabis use (5% heterosexual women; 21% lesbian/bisexual women). In bivariate analysis, identifying as a sexual and/or racial ethnic minority, younger age, being unmarried, reporting lower income, receiving VA services, smoking tobacco, and screening positive for alcohol misuse were positively associated with regular cannabis use. Additionally, a greater percentage of cannabis users reported experiencing childhood and adult sexual trauma and screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when compared to peers who did not use any drugs. In a multivariate model, the number of life eras women endorsed experiencing sexual trauma was significantly associated with regular cannabis use even when adjusting for demographic variables and PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Among women veterans, regular cannabis use is fairly common among those who are sexual and racial/ethnic minorities, younger, unmarried, receiving VA services, and reporting alcohol or tobacco use, PTSD symptoms, and/or multiple sexual traumas across the lifespan. Screening and assessment may be important to consider in healthcare settings serving this veteran population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendall C Browne
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE, Pacific, Street Box 356560, Room BB1644, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; Center of Innovation for Veteran Centered and Value Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States.
| | - Marketa Dolan
- Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| | - Tracy L Simpson
- Center of Excellence in Substance Addiction Treatment and Education, VA Puget Sound Health Care, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE, Pacific, Street Box 356560, Room BB1644, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| | - John C Fortney
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE, Pacific, Street Box 356560, Room BB1644, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Center of Innovation for Veteran Centered and Value Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| | - Keren Lehavot
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE, Pacific, Street Box 356560, Room BB1644, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; Center of Innovation for Veteran Centered and Value Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sikkema KJ, Choi KW, Robertson C, Knettel BA, Ciya N, Knippler ET, Watt MH, Joska JA. Development of a coping intervention to improve traumatic stress and HIV care engagement among South African women with sexual trauma histories. Eval Program Plann 2018; 68:148-156. [PMID: 29597104 PMCID: PMC5953816 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the development and preliminary trial run of ImpACT (Improving AIDS Care after Trauma), a brief coping intervention to address traumatic stress and HIV care engagement among South African women with sexual trauma histories. We engaged in an iterative process to culturally adapt a cognitive-behavioral intervention for delivery within a South African primary care clinic. This process involved three phases: (a) preliminary intervention development, drawing on content from a prior evidence-based intervention; (b) contextual adaptation of the curriculum through formative data collection using a multi-method qualitative approach; and (c) pre-testing of trauma screening procedures and a subsequent trial run of the intervention. Feedback from key informant interviews and patient in-depth interviews guided the refinement of session content and adaptation of key intervention elements, including culturally relevant visuals, metaphors, and interactive exercises. The trial run curriculum consisted of four individual sessions and two group sessions. Strong session attendance during the trial run supported the feasibility of ImpACT. Participants responded positively to the logistics of the intervention delivery and the majority of session content. Trial run feedback helped to further refine intervention content and delivery towards a pilot randomized clinical trial to assess the feasibility and potential efficacy of this intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Sikkema
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Karmel W Choi
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Corne Robertson
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brandon A Knettel
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nonceba Ciya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Melissa H Watt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - John A Joska
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Parent MC, Ferriter KP. The Co-Occurrence of Asexuality and Self-Reported Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis and Sexual Trauma Within the Past 12 Months Among U.S. College Students. Arch Sex Behav 2018; 47:1277-1282. [PMID: 29464451 PMCID: PMC10388689 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of individuals identify as asexual. It is important to understand the relationship between a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or a history of sexual trauma co-occurs with asexual identity. We aimed to assess whether identification as asexual was associated with greater likelihood for self-reported PTSD diagnosis and history of sexual trauma within the past 12 months. Secondary data analysis was undertaken of a cross-sectional survey of 33,385 U.S. college students (12,148 male, 21,237 female), including 228 self-identified asexual individuals (31 male, 197 female), who completed the 2015-2016 Healthy Minds Study. Measures included assessment of self-report of prior professional diagnosis of PTSD and self-report of prior sexual trauma in the past year. Among non-asexual participants, 1.9% self-reported a diagnosis of PTSD and 2.4% reported a history of sexual trauma in the past 12 months. Among the group identified as asexual, 6.6% self-reported a diagnosis of PTSD and 3.5% reported a history of sexual assault in the past 12 months. Individuals who identified as asexual were more likely to report a diagnosis of PTSD (OR 4.44; 95% CI 2.32, 8.50) and sexual trauma within the past 12 months (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.20, 5.27), compared to non-asexual individuals. These differences persisted after including sex of the participants in the model, and the interaction between asexual identification and sex was not significant in either case. Asexual identity was associated with greater likelihood of reported PTSD diagnosis and reported sexual trauma within the past 12 months. Implications for future research on asexuality are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike C Parent
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Martinson A, Craner J, Sigmon S. Differences in HPA axis reactivity to intimacy in women with and without histories of sexual trauma. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 65:118-26. [PMID: 26765932 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual trauma can lead to longstanding effects on individuals' intimacy functioning. The current study aimed to assess hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis functioning (i.e., cortisol reactivity) prior to (-5min), during (+15, +30, +45min), and following (+60min) an experimental manipulation of emotional closeness in a sample of women survivors of sexual trauma with varying levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology versus controls. METHODS Participants included 50 women, which were divided into 2 groups on the basis of a structured clinical interview: 26 women with a history of sexual trauma with and without PTSD (sexual trauma group), and 24 women without a history of sexual trauma or PTSD (controls). Participants came into the lab and participated in a 45min emotional closeness exercise with a male confederate and completed self-report questionnaires of closeness, state anxiety/depression, and cortisol assays at the aforementioned time points. RESULTS Women with a history of sexual trauma exhibited a blunted cortisol response and greater anxious mood in reaction to the intimacy induction task compared to controls. Results also demonstrated that, unexpectedly, PTSD symptom severity scores among sexual trauma survivors were not associated with differential cortisol responding to the task compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Adaptive responses to stress are characterized by a relatively rapid cortisol increase followed by a steady decline. The results of this study demonstrated that women with a history of sexual trauma, in contrast, displayed a blunted cortisol response to an intimacy induction task. Both controls and women with a history of sexual trauma reported increased feelings of closeness to the male confederate in response to the intimacy induction task, suggesting that survivors were able to achieve similar adaptive feelings of intimacy when provided with the right conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber Martinson
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA.
| | - Julia Craner
- Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Sandra Sigmon
- University of Maine, 301 Little Hall, Orono, Maine 04469, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Braje SE, Eddy JM, Hall GCN. A Comparison of Two Models of Risky Sexual Behavior During Late Adolescence. Arch Sex Behav 2016; 45:73-83. [PMID: 25925897 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-015-0523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Two models of risky sexual behavior (RSB) were compared in a community sample of late adolescents (N = 223). For the traumagenic model, early negative sexual experiences were posited to lead to an association between negative affect with sexual relationships. For the cognitive escape model, depressive affect was posited to lead to engagement in RSB as a way to avoid negative emotions. The current study examined whether depression explained the relationship between sexual trauma and RSB, supporting the cognitive escape model, or whether it was sexual trauma that led specifically to RSB, supporting the traumagenic model. Physical trauma experiences were also examined to disentangle the effects of sexual trauma compared to other emotionally distressing events. The study examined whether the results would be moderated by participant sex. For males, support was found for the cognitive escape model but not the traumagenic model. Among males, physical trauma and depression predicted engagement in RSB but sexual trauma did not. For females, support was found for the traumagenic and cognitive escape model. Among females, depression and sexual trauma both uniquely predicted RSB. There was an additional suppressor effect of socioeconomic status in predicting RSB among females. Results suggest that the association of trauma type with RSB depends on participant sex. Implications of the current study for RSB prevention efforts are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sopagna Eap Braje
- Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, California School of Professional Psychology-San Diego, Alliant International University, 10455 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA, 92116, USA.
| | - J Mark Eddy
- Partners for Our Children, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Gordon C N Hall
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Usta MB, Tuncel OK, Akbas S, Aydin B, Say GN. Decreased dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels in adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder after single sexual trauma. Nord J Psychiatry 2016; 70:116-20. [PMID: 26174795 DOI: 10.3109/08039488.2015.1056752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence shows that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can be dysregulated in chronic sexual abuse victims with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We hypothesized that PTSD in adolescents exposed to a single sexual trauma may function as a chronic stressor leading to HPA-axis dysregulation. AIMS The objective of this study was to assess dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) and cortisol levels in female adolescents |with single sexual trauma-related PTSD compared to healthy controls. METHOD We assessed 20 female adolescent (age 12-18) single sexual trauma victims with PTSD from the Ondokuz Mayis University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry between December 2013 and December 2014. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPSRI). Blood cortisol and DHEA-S were measured in 20 female adolescent sexual abuse victims with PTSD and 20 healthy adolescents after 12-h fasting using the chemiluminescence method. RESULTS Compared to age-matched controls, female adolescent sexual abuse victims with PTSD had significantly lower DHEA-S levels (U = 70.00, Z = - 3.517, p = 0.01, r = 0.55). There was also a significant negative correlation between DHEA-S and CDI scores (Spearman r = - 0.522, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Decreased DHEA-S levels and correlation with depressive symptoms are evidence for a dysregulated HPA-axis in female adolescent single sexual trauma victims with PTSD. Further research is now recommended with large patient groups in order to maximize generalizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirac Baris Usta
- a Mirac Baris Usta, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Ozgur Korhan Tuncel
- b Ozgur Korhan Tuncel, Department of Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Seher Akbas
- c Seher Akbas, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Berna Aydin
- d Berna Aydin, Department of Forensic Medicine , School of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| | - Gokce Nur Say
- e Gokce Nur Say, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun , Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bryan CJ, Bryan AO, Clemans TA. The association of military and premilitary sexual trauma with risk for suicide ideation, plans, and attempts. Psychiatry Res 2015; 227:246-52. [PMID: 25863823 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Military sexual trauma is a strong predictor of psychiatric disorders and negative health outcomes among military personnel and veterans, but little is known about its relationship with suicide risk. The current study investigates the association of military sexual trauma with suicide risk among 464 U.S. military personnel and veterans enrolled in college classes. Results indicate that premilitary sexual assault was associated with significantly increased risk for later suicide ideation, plans, and attempts during military service. Unwanted sexual experiences occurring during military service was associated with significantly increased risk for suicide ideation and suicide plans for male participants. When considered simultaneously, premilitary sexual trauma showed relatively stronger associations with suicide risk among women whereas military sexual trauma showed relatively stronger associations with suicide risk among men. Results suggest differences in the relation of sexual trauma to suicide risk among male and female military personnel and veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Craig J Bryan
- National Center for Veterans Studies, The University of Utah, 260 S. Central Campus Dr., Room 205, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
| | - AnnaBelle O Bryan
- National Center for Veterans Studies, The University of Utah, 260 S. Central Campus Dr., Room 205, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Tracy A Clemans
- National Center for Veterans Studies, The University of Utah, 260 S. Central Campus Dr., Room 205, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Badour CL, Ojserkis R, McKay D, Feldner MT. Disgust as a unique affective predictor of mental contamination following sexual trauma. J Anxiety Disord 2014; 28:704-11. [PMID: 25129888 PMCID: PMC4160347 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mental contamination has been described as an internal experience of dirtiness that can arise and persist in the absence of contact with observable physical contaminants. Recent research has examined mental contamination specifically related to unwanted physical contact and sexual trauma. This study evaluated the degree to which disgust propensity and both self-focused and perpetrator-focused peritraumatic disgust were associated with mental contamination in a sample of women who experienced sexual trauma (n=72). Results showed that peritraumatic self-focused disgust, but not peritraumatic perpetrator-focused disgust or fear, was significantly associated with mental contamination. Additionally, disgust propensity contributed significantly to the incremental validity of the model. These findings support the nascent literature showing that disgust plays a significant role in mental contamination, particularly following sexual trauma. Future research directions, and clinical/theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christal L Badour
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, MSC 861, 2nd Floor IOP South Building, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401, USA; University of Arkansas, Department of Psychological Science, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
| | - Rachel Ojserkis
- Fordham University, Department of Psychology, Dealy 422, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Dean McKay
- Fordham University, Department of Psychology, Dealy 422, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, USA
| | - Matthew T Feldner
- University of Arkansas, Department of Psychological Science, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; Laureate Institute for Brain Research, 6655 S Yale Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| |
Collapse
|