A longitudinal study of the effects of childhood trauma on symptoms and functioning of people with severe mental health problems.
This study examines the relationship between childhood trauma and the psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial functioning of adults with severe mental health problems. Participants (n = 31) were recruited from the caseloads of community mental health services in Northern Ireland and assessed at baseline, 9 months, and 18 months. More than half had a history of childhood trauma (n = 17). There were no differences between the no childhood trauma (n = 14) and childhood trauma groups on psychiatric symptoms, but a significant relationship was found between trauma history and all aspects of social functioning. Those with no history of trauma showed improved psychosocial functioning over time, whereas those with a history of trauma deteriorated. These findings have implications for current service provision.
Davidson
Gavin
G
Department of Social Work, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Shannon
Ciaran
C
Mulholland
Ciaran
C
Campbell
Jim
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011584:Psychology; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012919:Social Behavior; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult