A pilot study to understand the presence of ACE in adults with post-traumatic stress disorders at a well-being centre in India

Abstract

BackgroundThough there is aqequate evidence linking specific Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the availability of evidence in an Indian setting is limited. Given the accepted role of several ACEs as precursors to PTSD in the later stages of life (adulthood), this link was studied in PTSD-assessed individuals at a well-being center in Gujarat, India. ObjectiveThe study aimed to understand the prevalence and significance of ACEs in the subjects assessed with PTSD. MethodsThe individuals who approached the center seeking help with various well-being or mental health issues were assessed using their presenting symptoms. Next, a follow-up interview was conducted to review the ACEs relating to incidents between the ages of 3 and 18. Based on their presenting symptoms, some individuals were assessed for PTSD by an experienced therapist/psychologist based on index trauma event(s). The descriptive data of 60 individuals (guided by a trained therapist) were assessed for PTSD using the PCL-C survey. Descriptive statistics were summarized to understand and evaluate the presence of several ACE elements and their link, if any, to the PTSD assessment. ResultsThe findings (N = 60) indicate that several adverse childhood experiences, specifically repeated exposure to emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, domestic violence or intimate partner violence (IPV), mental health challenges in the family, peer rejection and parents having verbal/physical fights are present in these PTSD assessed individuals. Pearson correlation indicated that several frequently occurring ACE elements are correlated. This confirms the role of developmental trauma in inducing severe stress-related symptoms such as PTSD. These adverse experiences represented two main categories: interpersonal ACEs (where the individual is at the center of the experience vis a vis an observer) and the home environment. ConclusionThe research found several co-occurrences of the interpersonal and violent family (or home) environment-related trauma elements in PTSD-assessed individuals. Based on the assessment at this wellness center, the findings suggest a substantial influencing role of these ACEs in adult PTSD assessment.