Psychopathological Mechanisms Linking Childhood Traumatic Experiences to Risk of Psychotic Symptoms: Analysis of a Large, Representative Population-Based Sample

Abstract

Intention to harm is the key component linking childhood traumatic experiences to psychosis, most likely characterized by co-occurrence of hallucinations and delusions, indicating buildup of psychotic intensification, rather than specific psychotic symptoms in isolation. No evidence was found to support psychological theories regarding specific associations between particular types of CT and particular psychotic symptoms.

Childhood trauma, BDNF Val66Met and subclinical psychotic experiences. Attempt at replication in two independent samples

“…Our results relate traumatic experiences to a greater risk for PEs in two independent nonclinical samples are consistent with other studies analysing this in healthy individuals (van Nierop et al, 2014). Similar results have been found in a meta-analysis including nonclinical and clinical studies analysing childhood adversities in relation to psychotic symptoms and psychosis.…”

Childhood abuse and neglect may induce deficits in cognitive precursors of psychosis in high-risk children

“…33,34 We also gathered information on other childhood stressful events. We compiled from known instruments 35,36 a list of 30 previously tested items assessing trauma and other life events to create the childhood adverse life events chart (CALEC; Appendix 1, Tables S1 and S2).…”

Interdisciplinarity: Reconciling the irreconcilable?

“…Social scientists sometimes describe this as a flattening of the environment that can conceal important nuances of social influence. Childhood trauma is associated more strongly with psychosis when there is a deliberate intent to harm, 6 but this kind of relational variation cannot be meaningfully addressed within epigenetic studies that operationally define the environment in wholly biological terms.…”