Sensitive periods for the effect of childhood interpersonal violence on psychiatric disorder onset among adolescents

Abstract

Background Although childhood adversity is a strong determinant of psychopathology, it remains unclear whether there are ‘sensitive periods’ when a first episode of adversity is most harmful. Aims To examine whether variation in the developmental timing of a first episode of interpersonal violence (up to age 18) associates with risk for psychopathology. Method Using cross-sectional data, we examined the association between age at first exposure to four types of interpersonal violence (physical abuse by parents, physical abuse by others, rape, and sexual assault/molestation) and onset of four classes of DSM-IV disorders (distress, fear, behaviour, substance use) (n=9984). Age at exposure was defined as: early childhood (ages 0–5), middle childhood (ages 6–10) and adolescence (ages 11–18). Results Exposure to interpersonal violence at any age period about doubled the risk of a psychiatric disorder (odds ratios (ORs) = 1.51–2.52). However, few differences in risk were observed based on the timing of first exposure. After conducting 20 tests of association, only three significant differences in risk were observed based on the timing of exposure; these results suggested an elevated risk of behaviour disorder among youth first exposed to any type of interpersonal violence during adolescence (OR=2.37, 95% CI 1.69–3.34), especially being beaten by another person (OR = 2.44; 95% CI 1.57–3.79), and an elevated risk of substance use disorder among youth beaten by someone during adolescence (OR=2.77, 95% CI 1.94–3.96). Conclusions Children exposed to interpersonal violence had an elevated risk of psychiatric disorder. However, age at first episode of exposure was largely unassociated with psychopathology risk.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of threat and deprivation on cognition, emotional processing and psychopathology in children and adolescents

“…There is mounting evidence showing that childhood adversity is associated with high levels of general psychopathology, both cross-sectionally and prospectively (Green et al, 2010;Dunn et al, 2017;McLaughlin et al, 2012). This link tends to span all forms of psychopathology, including both internalizing and externalizing domains (Salum et al, 2016) -and therefore associations with general expressive indexes of psychopathology (such as the "p" factor) are expected (Miller et al, 2016), as we confirmed here.…”

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Children with Intellectual Disabilities: An Exploratory Case-File Study in Dutch Residential Care

“…As a result of ACEs, lower rates of engagement at school are also more likely [ 45 , 101 ] and there is an increased risk for learning- and behavioral issues and suicidal ideation [ 55 ]. Adolescence is a unique developmental stage, characterized by rapid growth in which physiologic, cognitive, social and emotional changes occur simultaneously, and ACEs may impede this development [ 55 , 102 ]. Finally, accumulation of ACEs can increase the risk of psychotropic medication in adolescents [ 103 ].…”

Violence, trauma, testimonials and truth

“…Early adversity and trauma such as interpersonal violence and beating are now established as a cause of later mental illnesses and behavioural disorders; there is also an elevated risk of substance use among adolescents who were beaten by someone. 2 Childhood trauma is associated with gender-based violence and childhood maltreatment. 3 Some reports suggest child abuse may affect women's risk of developing psychosis more than that of men, although young boys and men can also be susceptible to the lifetime consequences of violence and abuse.…”

“…In this context, and awareness of the growing global burden of neuropsychiatric disorders, prevention and treatment responses should be aligned in promoting safer and more protective early-life environments for children and women. Early adversity and trauma such as interpersonal violence and beating are now established as a cause of later mental illnesses and behavioural disorders; there is also an elevated risk of substance use among adolescents who were beaten by someone 2 . Childhood trauma is associated with gender-based violence and childhood maltreatment 3 .…”