title: A longitudinal study of the effects of childhood trauma on symptoms and functioning of people with severe mental health problems.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work, Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Holywell Hospital, 60 Steeple Road, Antrim, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Ciaran
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shannon
authors.forename: Ciaran
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mulholland
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: 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