History Of Childhood Abuse Research Articles

Genetics or Environment: Tracing the Root Cause of Increasing Homosexual Population

The number of homosexuals at present is enormously increasing in the Philippines. These homosexuals established themselves in the academe, government, services, industry and in the private sectors. They contributed a lot in the society shaping government policies where they were given attention especially in their demands of acceptance and equality. However, some homosexuals are also contributing the spread of disease particularly HIV-AIDS due to their sexual practices and activities. The increase of this group of individuals causes a distortion on the growth of human population since they do not produce offspring due to same sex partnership. This study investigated the root cause of homosexuality and the link of these homosexual’s sexual orientation and behavior with its family influences, environment, exposure to violence and childhood experiences. It has been a long debate known as nature-nurture debate whether homosexuality is caused by genetics or environment. Using a constructed validated questionnaire, four hundred fifty-five persons that have tendencies to be homosexuals were selected and their responses were gathered. Describing their sexual orientations, out of the total 455 individuals, 56 (12.3%) were straight males and 88 (19.34%) were straight females, 96 (21.09%) admitted to be bisexual, 123 (27.03%) were gays and 91 (20%) were lesbians. The results of data analysis using Chi-square test, showed that there was a significant association between the sexual orientation and the birth order as well as an individual having a homosexual sibling and history of childhood abuse.

Hyper-Sensitivity to the Perpetrator and the Likelihood of Returning to Abusive Relationships.

Although most women who are subjected to intimate partner violence attempt to leave their abusive partners, many return, and resultantly are at risk for even greater violence. Research to date has documented relations between several factors (income and economic dependence, frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV), fear of violence escalations, history of childhood abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms) and women's returning to their abusive partners. Nevertheless, the contribution of women's emotional bonds with their violent partners, known as identification with the aggressor (IWA), in explaining their perceived likelihood of going back to the relationship, has remained unclear. The current study, conducted among 258 Israeli women who had left their violent partners, aimed to fill this void. An online survey was conducted. Demographic variables, history of childhood abuse, frequency of IPV, economic dependence on former partner, fear of future violence escalation, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, IWA, and perceived likelihood of returning to the relationship, were assessed via self-report questionnaire. Results indicated that two aspects of IWA-becoming hyper-sensitive to the perpetrator and adopting the perpetrator's experience-were related to women's perceived likelihood of returning to the relationship. Furthermore, a logistic regression analysis indicated that only two factors-income and becoming hyper-sensitive to the perpetrator-uniquely contributed to explaining the likelihood of returning to abusive partners. Major implications: The current findings suggest that women's tendency to be highly attuned to their partners' feelings and needs, as a part of IWA, may impede their ability to permanently leave abusive relationships.

The impact of a history of child abuse on cognitive performance: a cross-sectional study in older patients with a depressive, anxiety, or somatic symptom disorder

BackgroundChild abuse is a major global burden with an enduring negative impact on mental and physical health. A history of child abuse is consistently associated with worse cognitive performance among adults; data in older age groups are inconclusive. Since affective symptoms and cognitive functioning are interrelated among older persons, a synergistic effect can be assumed in patients with affective symptoms who also have suffered from child abuse. This study examines the association between a history of child abuse and cognitive performance in such patients.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from the ‘Routine Outcome Monitoring for Geriatric Psychiatry & Science’ project, including 179 older adults (age 60–88 years) with either a unipolar depressive, any anxiety, or somatic symptom disorder referred to specialized geriatric mental health care. A history of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and emotional neglect was assessed with a structured interview. Cognitive functioning was measured with three paper and pencils tests (10-words verbal memory test, Stroop Colour-Word test, Digit Span) and four tests from the computerized Cogstate Test Battery (Detection Test, Identification Test, One Card Learning Test, One Back Test). The association between a history of child abuse and cognitive performance was examined by multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for covariates.ResultsPrincipal component analyses of nine cognitive parameters revealed four cognitive domains, i.e., visual-verbal memory, psychomotor speed, working memory and interference control. A history of child abuse was not associated with any of these cognitive domains. However, when looking at the specific types of child abuse separately, a history of physical abuse and emotional neglect were associated with poorer interference control. A history of physical abuse was additionally associated with better visual-verbal memory.ConclusionsThe association between a history of child abuse and cognitive performance differs between the different types of abuse. A history of physical abuse might particularly be a key determinant of cognitive performance in older adults with a depressive, anxiety, or somatic symptom disorder. Future studies on the impact of these disorders on the onset of dementia should take child abuse into account.Trial registrationROM-GPS is registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NL6704 at www.trialregister.nl).

P669. Intergenerational Effects of PTSD on Infant Heart Rate Variability

Early experiences with caregivers may elucidate pathways of intergenerational risk related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Infant cardiac reactivity and low vagal tone, measured with heart-rate (HR) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), are significantly impacted by parenting behaviors and may be an important early biomarker of risk for later vulnerability to trauma-related psychopathology. Infant autonomic response to stress is impacted by maternal postpartum depression and history of childhood abuse.

P340. Altered Mu Opioid Receptor Binding Potential in Adults With a History of Childhood Maltreatment

Childhood maltreatment includes neglect and/or abuse within the family during childhood. There is evidence to suggest that adults with past childhood maltreatment have blunted reward and stress processing, possibly due to mu opioid receptor alterations in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. Accordingly, we hypothesized that nucleus accumbens and amygdala mu opioid receptor density is negatively associated with childhood maltreatment in individuals in a community sample.

P332. Type of Childhood Maltreatment and Neural Indices of Volitional Emotion Regulation

Childhood maltreatment is broadly defined as any form of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect occurring before the age of 18. Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment often exhibit deficits in emotional regulation which may contribute to increased rates of psychopathology. Very little is known about how different forms of maltreatment may differentially impact the neural substrates of effective emotion regulation.

A History of Childhood Maltreatment Has Substance- and Sex-Specific Effects on Craving During Treatment for Substance Use Disorders.

RationaleChildhood maltreatment (CM) leads to detrimental mental health outcomes, such as substance use disorders (SUD). This study examined prevalence and severity of all five types of CM with respect to specific substances and sex in treatment-seeking individuals with SUD. The influences of type of CM and symptoms of depressiveness, anxiety, and perceived stress on substance craving at admission as well as craving reduction during SUD treatment were examined.MethodsN = 546 patients in treatment for SUD and N = 109 individuals in opioid maintenance treatment filled out questionnaires regarding CM (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and psychopathologies. Substance craving was assessed throughout treatment using the Mannheim Craving Scale. Group differences in CM, type of substance and sex were examined. General linear models were applied to examine influences on substance craving.ResultsHigher prevalence and severity of all five subtypes of CM were observed in individuals with SUD compared to the general population. Women were more severely affected by emotional and sexual abuse than men. Patients with cannabis use disorder reported more severe experiences of emotional abuse compared to all other substances. Craving at admission to treatment was influenced by emotional abuse, however, symptoms of depressiveness, anxiety, and perceived stress contributed to craving at admission or craving reduction during treatment.ConclusionCM relates to SUD and should be incorporated in prevention and treatment of SUD. Underlying mechanisms of the association might relate to impairments in processing and regulation of stress, emotions, and interpersonal relations following a history of CM.

Secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) reactivity to acute psychosocial stress in children and adolescents: The influence of pubertal development and history of maltreatment

BackgroundMucosal secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) is an antibody protein-complex that plays a crucial role in immune first defense against infection. Although different immune biomarkers have been associated with stress-related psychopathology, s-IgA remains poorly studied, especially in youth. ObjectivesThe present study investigated how s-IgA behaves in front of acute psychosocial stress in children and adolescents, including possible variability associated with developmental stage and history of childhood maltreatment (CM). Methods94 children and adolescents from 7 to 17 years (54 with a current psychiatric diagnostic and 40 healthy controls) drawn from a larger Spanish study were explored (EPI-Young Stress Project). To assess biological reactivity, participants provided five saliva samples during an acute laboratory-based psychosocial stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-C). Samples were assayed for s-IgA, as well as for cortisol. Pubertal development was ascertained by Tanner stage and CM following TASSCV criteria. ResultsWe observed s-IgA fluctuations throughout the stressor, indicating the validity of TSST-C to stimulate s-IgA secretion (F(4,199) = 6.200, p <.001). Although s-IgA trajectories followed a reactivity and recovery pattern in adolescents, children exhibited no s-IgA response when faced with stress (F(4,197) = 3.406, p =.010). An interaction was found between s-IgA and CM (F(4,203) = 2.643, p =.035). Interestingly, an interaction between developmental stage, CM history and s-IgA reactivity was identified (F(12,343) = 2.036, p =.017); while children non-exposed to maltreatment exhibited no s-IgA changes to acute stress, children with a history of CM showed a similar response to adolescents, increasing their s-IgA levels after the psychosocial stressor. ConclusionAcute psychosocial stress stimulates s-IgA secretion, but only after puberty. However, children with a history of maltreatment exhibited a response resembling that of adolescents, suggesting an early maturation of the immune system. Further studies are needed to clarify the validity of s-IgA as an acute stress biomarker, including additional measures during stress exposure.

Association of adverse childhood experiences with the development of multiple sclerosis

ObjectiveTo study whether exposure to childhood emotional, sexual or physical abuse is associated with subsequent multiple sclerosis (MS) development.MethodsA nationwide, prospective cohort study based on participants in the Norwegian Mother,...

Immuno-metabolic profile of patients with psychotic disorders and metabolic syndrome. Results from the FACE-SZ cohort

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent and harmful medical disorder often comorbid with psychosis where it can contribute to cardiovascular complications. As immune dysfunction is a key shared component of both MetS and schizophrenia (SZ), this study investigated the relationship between immune alterations and MetS in patients with SZ, whilst controlling the impact of confounding clinical characteristics including psychiatric symptoms and comorbidities, history of childhood maltreatment and psychotropic treatments. MethodA total of 310 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for SZ or schizoaffective disorders (SZA), with or without MetS, were systematically assessed and included in the FondaMental Advanced Centers of Expertise for Schizophrenia (FACE-SZ) cohort. Detailed clinical characteristics of patients, including psychotic symptomatology, psychiatric comorbidities and history of childhood maltreatment were recorded and the serum levels of 18 cytokines were measured. A penalized regression method was performed to analyze associations between inflammation and MetS, whilst controlling for confounding factors. ResultsOf the total sample, 25% of patients had MetS. Eight cytokines were above the lower limit of detection (LLOD) in more than 90% of the samples and retained in downstream analysis. Using a conservative Variable Inclusion Probability (VIP) of 75%, we found that elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-7, IL-12/23 p40 and IL-16 and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were associated with MetS. As for clinical variables, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis of SZ (not SZA), age at the first episode of psychosis (FEP), alcohol abuse, current tobacco smoking, and treatment with antidepressants and anxiolytics were all associated with MetS. ConclusionWe have identified five cytokines associated with MetS in SZ suggesting that patients with psychotic disorders and MetS are characterized by a specific “immuno-metabolic” profile. This may help to design tailored treatments for this subgroup of patients with both psychotic disorders and MetS, taking one more step towards precision medicine in psychiatry.

Pregnant women with bipolar disorder who have a history of childhood maltreatment: Intergenerational effects of trauma on fetal neurodevelopment and birth outcomes.

Intergenerational transmission of trauma occurs when the effects of childhood maltreatment (CM) influence the next generation's development and health; prenatal programming via maternal mood symptoms is a potential pathway. CM is a risk factor for bipolar disorder which is present in 1.8% of pregnant women. Mood symptoms are likely to increase during pregnancy, particularly for those with a history of CM. We examined whether there was evidence for intergenerational transmission of trauma in utero in this population, and whether maternal mood was a transmission pathway. CM and maternal mood were self-reported by N=82 pregnant women in treatment for bipolar disorder. Fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) was measured at 24, 30, and 36 weeks' gestation. Gestational age at birth and birth weight were obtained from medical charts. A cluster analysis yielded two groups, Symptom+ (18.29%) and Euthymic (81.71%), who differed on severe mood symptoms (p < 0.001) but not on medication use. The Symptom+ group had more CM exposures (p < 0.001), a trend of lower FHRV (p=0.077), and greater birth complications (33.3% vs. 6.07% born preterm p < 0.01). Maternal prenatal mood mediated the association between maternal CM and birth weight in both sexes and at trend level for gestational age at birth in females. This is the first study to identify intergenerational effects of maternal CM prior to postnatal influences in a sample of pregnant women with bipolar disorder. These findings underscore the potential enduring impact of CM for women with severe psychiatric illness and their children.

Interpersonal Trauma and Risk of Incident Cardiovascular Disease Events Among Women.

BackgroundTraumatic experiences have been linked to risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interpersonal violence is a trauma that is prevalent in women. Among midlife women followed up for 2 decades, we examined whether interpersonal violence (childhood abuse, adulthood abuse, or intimate partner violence [IPV]) was related to increased risk of subsequent clinical CVD events.Methods and ResultsA total of 2201 women, aged 42 to 52 years at baseline, underwent up to 16 in‐person visits over 22 years. Measures included questionnaires (including of childhood physical/sexual abuse, adult physical/sexual abuse, and IPV), physical measures, phlebotomy, and reported CVD events (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and revascularization). Death certificates were collected. Relationships between childhood abuse, adult abuse, and IPV with incident fatal/nonfatal CVD were tested in Cox proportional hazards models. Women with a childhood abuse history had increased risk for incident CVD (versus no abuse; hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 1.65 [1.12–2.44]; P=0.01; adjusted for demographics and CVD risk factors); associations were strongest for childhood sexual abuse. Adult abuse was not significantly associated with CVD. Women with IPV had a doubling of risk for incident CVD in demographic‐adjusted models (versus no IPV; IPV: HR [95% CI], 2.06 [1.01–4.23]; P=0.04; no partner: HR [95% CI], 1.79 [0.91–3.53]; P=0.09); systolic blood pressure partially mediated relationships between IPV and CVD.ConclusionsChildhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, was associated with increased risk of CVD in women. IPV was associated with risk for CVD, with the higher systolic blood pressure among IPV‐exposed women important in these associations. Interpersonal violence prevention may contribute to CVD risk reduction in women.

Maternal history of childhood maltreatment is associated with diurnal cortisol and DNA methylation of placental 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2.

Accumulating evidence indicates that maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity over pregnancy differs according to maternal history of childhood maltreatment. DNA methylation of the placental 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (BHSD) type 2 enzyme regulates fetal exposure to maternal cortisol, yet the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment and methylation of placental 11BHSD type 2 has not been previously studied. We examined if maternal cortisol production at 11 and 32 weeks' gestation (n = 89) and placental methylation of the 11BHSD type 2 gene (n = 19) differed among pregnant women with and without histories of childhood maltreatment. Twenty-nine percent of participants reported a history of childhood maltreatment (physical/sexual abuse). Women with histories of childhood maltreatment displayed lower cortisol in early gestation, hypo-methylation of placental 11BHSD type 2, and lower levels of cord blood cortisol. Preliminary results suggest alterations in cortisol regulation over pregnancy according to maternal history of childhood maltreatment.

Testing the role of inflammation in the relation of childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation among young adults.

In recent years, the prevalence of suicidal ideation among young adults has been on the rise, with childhood maltreatment thought to partially explain this disparity. Systemic inflammation-a product of over-activation of the body's stress response system-has been hypothesized to play a predictive role in the development of suicidal ideation. Enduring childhood maltreatment can lead to systemic inflammation, possibly accounting for suicidal ideation's increased prevalence among young adults who have a history of childhood maltreatment. The current study sought to investigate the importance of childhood maltreatment as a static risk factor for downstream suicidal ideation in young adulthood with the immunological response (i.e., systemic inflammation) to childhood maltreatment serving as a mediating factor. Systemic inflammation was found to be positively associated with suicidal ideation, supporting the unique role systemic inflammation may play in the pathogenesis of suicidal ideation, though hypotheses regarding childhood maltreatment were not supported. This study provides novel insight into a potential immunobiological model for suicidal ideation development in young adult populations.

"Am I Not Allowed to be Comfortable?" The Doubled Edged Sword of Benzodiazepine Prescriptions in Older Adults

<h3>Introduction</h3> The treatment of anxiety, panic, depression, and insomnia symptoms in late life pose many challenges. The use of benzodiazepines for these symptoms offers often rapid relief in some domains but clearly poses risks. Second only to opioids, benzodiazepine prescriptions have become a major focus of public health concern and scrutiny. The use of electronic data base reporting and FDA warnings regarding abuse potential and withdrawal have lead to a movement to both deprescribe and not initiate benzodiazepine treatment in older adults. It is clear that concerns regarding side effects of falls, fractures, acute and chronic confusional states, abuse potential and drug-drug interactions are of great concern to clinicians. Patients often cite concerns regarding tapering of these agents including fear of relapse of anxiety and panic and a wish to maintain feelings of comfort with what is percieved as a stable medication regime in their advanced years of life. A challenge to clinicians is to work with aging patients over a treatment plan which balances medication safety with the therapuetic benefits of these agents. Management of older adults who have been treated chronically, often for many decades, with benzodiazepines poses a significant challenge. Many community providers no longer want to care for these patients and as a result, they present to hospital based clinics with stigma and disappointment over prior treatment. <h3>Methods</h3> Cases were identified from the patient population at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, an urban medical center serving a multicultural and socioeconomically diverse population. Mount Sinai Beth Israel has been serving the popultaion of Manhattan since 1889 and provides comprehensive behavioral health care services. Patients were identified from those who presented to the ambulatory care geriatric psychiatry service with care needs that included chronic benzodiazepine use. <h3>Results</h3> Case presentations: Ms. A: A 69 year old woman with history of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Dysthymia whopresented for treatment after her long-term provider could no longer see her. Medication regime includes Citalopram 40mg once daily, Clonazepam 2.5mg daily in divided doses, Gabapentin 400mg daily in divided doses and Zolpidem 10mg at bedtime. The patient presents with complaints of nervousness and anxiety which impair her function. She is resistive toward any changes in her regime and also she is reluctant to engage in psychotherapy. Ms. B: A 69 year old woman has been enrolled in the clinic for many years. She has a history of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder in sustained remission and Opioid Use Disorder in remission on Methadone 45mg daily. The patient has been treated with Mirtazapine 60mg at bedtime, Clonazepam 1mg three times daily and Gabapentin 200mg at bedtime. Her course has been complicated by her goal of ending her Opioid Treatment Program and undergoing a taper of her Methadone dose over time. She presents with many complaints of anxiety, abdominal pain and GI upset. While she is able to describe a history of significant childhood trauma and abuse, engaging in truama focused care has been a challenge and her visits focus on dose increases in current medications. Ms. C: A 70 year old woman with a history of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder has been stable for many years. He current medication regime incldues Venlafaxine 100mg daily, Gabapentin 100mg daily and Clonazepam 0.75mg daily in divided doses. The patient is very devoted to her medication regime, with specific times of the day when she takes her pills and how she divides the Clonazepam doses. She explains that she is very satisifed with this regime, has tolerated reduction from a higher does of Clonazepam in the past and feels does not want to risk any relapse at present. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The risk potential of benzodiazepines is exponentially higher in geriatric patients compared to younger adults. This does not imply that these medications should always be discontinued among those who have been treated chronically. It is clear that despite Beers Criteria inclusion and FDA warnings, patients and providers both have difficulties making long term treatment plans regarding individual risk verus benefit decisions. A finding from our hospital-based clinic population includes an increasing number of patients who enter treatment after prior providers have refused to continue prescribing controlled substances. This fracture in a prior relationship creates greater challenges in fostering the therapuetic alliance necessary to gain trust, offer adjuntive therapies and adequately discuss medication risks and benefits. Finding the best balance for the patient in mitigating risk while maintaining quality of life requires individual assessment and shared treatment goals. We want to reduce polypharmacy, maintain patient comfort and safety with a focus on harm reduction. <h3>This research was funded by</h3> Mount Sinai Beth Israel Department of Psychiatry

The Mediating Role of Forgiveness and Self-Efficacy in the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Treatment Motivation Among Malaysian Male Drug Addicts.

Studies have reported high rates of childhood maltreatment among individuals with drug addiction problems; however, investigation about the potentially protective factors to mitigate the effects of maltreatment experiences on motivation to engage in addiction treatment has received less attention. This study aims at exploring the mediating effects of forgiveness and self-efficacy on the association between childhood maltreatment and treatment motivation among drug addicts. A total of 360 male drug addicts (mean age = 33.34, SD = 7.25) were recruited from three mandatory inpatient rehabilitation centers in Malaysia. Participants completed a package of self-report questionnaires including measures of childhood maltreatment experiences, forgiveness, self-efficacy, and motivation for treatment. The analysis conducted using the structural equation model (SEM) revealed that childhood maltreatment significantly predicted lower treatment motivation, while forgiveness and self-efficacy played a fully mediating role regarding the effect of childhood maltreatment on treatment motivation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that combining the element of forgiveness and self-efficacy in treatment programs appears to benefit the drug addicts with childhood maltreatment history.

Maternal History of Child Maltreatment and Household Chaos: Examining the Mediating Role of Maternal and Child Psychopathology.

Caregiver history of childhood maltreatment can have pervasive effects on familial and household dynamics. Maternal history of child maltreatment (MCM) is linked to maternal depressive symptoms and offspring behavioural problems. Further, maternal and child mental health are associated with chaotic home environments. In this study, we examined the potential mediating roles of maternal depressive symptoms and child behavioural problems in the association between MCM and household chaos. A sample of 133 mother-child dyads participated in home visits during which mothers completed questionnaires measuring their history of child maltreatment, depressive symptoms, household chaos and child behaviour problems. Mothers also conducted videotaped home tours related to household chaos. Structural equation modelling results indicated that MCM was indirectly associated with higher household chaos via elevated maternal depressive symptoms and child externalizing, but not internalizing behaviour problems. Interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of MCM on maternal and child psychopathology may positively influence household dynamics.

Urinary free cortisol and childhood maltreatments ineating disorder patients: New evidence foranecophenotype subgroup.

IntroductionIncreasing neurobiological evidence has suggested the presence of a specific ecophenotype in people with eating disorders (EDs) linked to early maltreatment. Urinary‐free cortisol could strengthen the data and show specific relationships between maltreated subtypes and the hormonal profiles of patients with EDs. This study aims to evaluate the presence of different urinary cortisol in drug‐free patients in the acute phase of the disorder and its relationship with childhood maltreatment.MethodsA sample of 78 female patients with ED is included in the study. Childhood maltreatment history and 24‐h urinary free cortisol (24‐h UFC) are evaluated at a specialised ED ward admission.ResultsPatients with a maltreatment history show more blunted 24‐h UFC levels than peers without childhood maltreatment (p = 0.001). Regression analysis showed that child abuse is a predictor of the reduction of 24‐h UFC (p < 0.001), with physical abuse (p = 0.011) and sexual abuse (p = 0.050) that could have a more specific impact than other maltreatment subtypes.DiscussionChildhood maltreatment should be evaluated in ED patients due to its biological impact on the hormonal stress axis, which could impair the ability of patients to respond to standardized ED treatment.

Maternal Childhood Maltreatment History and Child Behavior Problems: Developmental Patterns and Mediation via Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Parenting Behavior.

Maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with offspring behavioral problems; however, little work has examined these associations longitudinally across child development. This study examined the effects of maternal history of CM on trajectories of child internalizing and externalizing behavior measured from toddlerhood to preschool, and the role of maternal depressive symptoms and parenting behavior as potential mediators. Participants included 115 mother-child dyads recruited from a hospital maternity ward. Maternal CM was measured at 3-months postpartum. At 18, 36, and 60months, maternal depressive symptoms and child behavior were assessed via maternal report and parenting behavior was assessed through direct observation. Findings indicated that children of mothers exposed to CM demonstrated poorer trajectories of problem behavior across early childhood. Maternal depressive symptoms mediated the relation between CM and children's internalizing problems. Findings highlight the importance of screening for maternal depressive symptoms and early intervention for maternal and child mental health.

Child Maltreatment and Psychiatric Disorders Increase Risk for Stalking Victimization.

Stalking is a serious public health problem, estimated to affect about 15% of women and 6% of men. Victims of stalking have been reported to be at increased risk for psychological distress, depression, lowered social and daily functioning, and other forms of victimization. The present study sought to determine whether individuals with documented histories of childhood maltreatment and those with psychiatric disorders are at increased risk for stalking victimization. Participants included maltreated children and matched controls (N = 892) from a Midwestern, metropolitan area who were followed up into adulthood. Psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and substance use disorders) were assessed at mean age 29 and borderline personality disorder at age 39. Participants reported lifetime stalking using the Lifetime Trauma and Victimization History instrument and based on a separate measure, past year intimate partner stalking victimization. Analyses controlled for sex, race, and age. Depression, PTSD, antisocial, and borderline personality disorders were associated with increased lifetime risk for stalking victimization. Childhood maltreatment, neglect, and psychiatric disorders (substance use, PTSD, antisocial personality, and borderline personality) predicted increased risk for past year stalking victimization. Findings indicated sex differences in lifetime risk of stalking victimization and race differences in past-year stalking victimization. Although the results reveal relationships among child maltreatment, psychiatric disorders, and stalking victimization, the impact of childhood maltreatment is most salient in terms of past year intimate partner stalking victimization, and particularly for individuals with histories of neglect. Future research is needed to better understand these race and sex differences in stalking victimization.