Early traumatic experiences in those at clinical high risk for psychosis

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jean Addington, University of Calgary; Jacqueline Stowkowy, University of Calgary; Kristin S. Cadenhead, University of California, San Diego; Barbara A. Cornblatt, Zucker Hillside Hospital; Thomas H. Mcglashan, Yale University; Diana O. Perkins, University of North Carolina; Larry J. Seidman, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Ming T. Tsuang, University of California, San Diego; Elaine Walker, Emory University; Scott W. Woods, Yale University; Tyrone D. Cannon, Yale University
• Language: English
• Date: 2013-08-01
• Publisher: Wiley: 12 months
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/eip.12020
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Early Intervention in Psychiatry
• ISSN: 1751-7885
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 300
• End Page: 305
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (grant U01MH081984 to Dr Addington; grants U01 MH081928; P50 MH080272; Commonwealth of Massachusetts SCDMH82101008006 to Dr Seidman; grants R01 MH60720, U01MH082022 and K24 MH76191 to Dr Cadenhead; grant to Dr Cannon; grant U01MH082004-01A1 to Dr Perkins; grant U01MH081988 to Dr Walker; grant U01MH082022 to Dr Woods; and UO1 MH081857-05 grant to Dr Cornblatt.
• Keywords: Risk Factors; Male; Adult Survivors of Child Abuse; Bullying; Case-Control Studies; psychosis; Female; Prodromal Symptoms; Anxiety; Depression; trauma; prodrome; risk; clinical high risk; Adult; Self Concept; Psychotic Disorders; Humans
• Research Categories: Psychology, Clinical; Health Sciences, Mental Health

Abstract

Aim: Several lines of evidence suggest a possible association between a history of trauma in childhood and later psychosis or psychotic-like experiences. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of childhood trauma and bullying in young people at clinical high risk (CHR) of developing psychosis. Methods: The sample consisted of 360 individuals who were at CHR of developing psychosis and 180 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. All participants were assessed on past trauma and bullying. The CHR participants were also assessed on a range of psychopathology and functioning. Results: Individuals at CHR reported significantly more trauma and bullying than healthy controls. Those who had experienced past trauma and bullying were more likely to have increased levels of depression and anxiety and a poorer sense of self. Conclusions: These results offer preliminary support for an association between a history of trauma and later subthreshold symptoms.