Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Research Articles

Social functioning mediated the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia.

Childhood maltreatment is frequently reported to be associated with cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia, but research on the childhood neglect subtype in childhood maltreatment is limited. This study sets out from the impact of childhood neglect on cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, and explores the interrelationship of childhood neglect, social functioning, resilience, and cognitive functioning. Two-hundred and thirty-two patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia were recruited at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) were used to assess childhood emotional and physical neglect, social functioning, resilience, and cognitive functioning respectively. The results indicate that (1) both emotional neglect (Spearman's r=-0.167, p=0.015) and physical neglect (Spearman's r=-0.263, p<0.001) are associated with cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia; (2) social functioning partially mediated the cognitive impairment in schizophrenia that related to emotional neglect (βtotal=-0.15, SE=0.07, 95% CI: LL=-0.31~UL=-0.03); (3) resilience is associated with emotional neglect (Spearman's r=-0.244, p=0.002) and appears to be independent of cognitive impairment (Spearman's r=-0.006, p=0.942). Social functioning is a significant mediating factor between childhood emotional neglect and cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia. This suggests that interventions aimed at improving social functioning may help ameliorate cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia who have high levels of emotional neglect scores.

Dimensional early life adversity and anxiety symptoms: A network analysis and longitudinal study.

Accumulating literature has found a close relation between early life adversity (ELA) and anxiety. However, previous studies did not rule out the high co-occurrence of different types of ELA when exploring the association of ELA and anxiety. In the present study, we carried out network analysis based on a cross-sectional sample and longitudinal sample to investigate the relationship between ELA and anxiety symptoms in non-clinical populations over time. Online advertisement was carried out to recruit participants. The cross-sectional sample included 871 Chinese participants (Mage=19.11, SDage=1.57), and the longitudinal sample involved 440 Chinese participants (Mage=18.93, SDage=0.75). Three dimensions of ELA were assessed. The Threat/Harm dimension was assessed by subscales of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The Deprivation dimension of ELA was measured by subscales of physical neglect, and emotional neglect of CTQ. The Unpredictability dimension of ELA was evaluated by the Childhood Unpredictability scale. Anxiety symptoms were captured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Regularized partial correlation networks were constructed, and the expected influence (EI) as well as predictability of each node were calculated. Stability within the network was tested and the network comparison test was conducted to examine the difference between the cross-sectional network and the longitudinal network. The cross-sectional network was relatively tight, and nodes within the dimension of ELA clustered together. Childhood unpredictability and emotional abuse revealed stronger associations with anxiety symptoms than other ELAs. Emotional abuse showed the highest EI in the network. These findings were replicated in the longitudinal network. The network comparison test indicated no significant difference between the cross-sectional network and the longitudinal network. Childhood unpredictability and emotional abuse were strong predictors of anxiety symptoms, and the prediction was reliable and persistent. Reduce the experience of childhood emotional abuse can serve as a target to prevent anxiety.

Trauma exposure as a risk factor of major depressive disorder: A matched case-control study.

The association between childhood trauma (CT), stressful life events (SLE) and the onset and severity of major depressive disorder (MDD) has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the separate and combined association of CT and SLE with the onset and severity of MDD. A total of 503 patients with MDD and 503 controls were included. The diagnosis of MDD was assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) by trained psychiatrists. Trauma exposure was assessed using the short form of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF) and stressful life events screening questionnaire (SLESQ). A series of conditional logistic regression models and multiple linear regression models were performed. The majority of patients with MDD (84.9%) and controls (61.6%) have reported trauma exposure. After adjusting for covariates, exposure to CT or SLE was independently associated with an elevated risk of the onset and severity of MDD. Moreover, a significant additive interaction between CT and SLE on the onset of MDD was observed (relative excess risk due to interactions [RERI]=6.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.19-13.66). MDD patients were more likely to experience both CT and SLE compared with controls (odds ratio [OR]=10.37, 95% CI=4.99-21.56). MDD patients with both CT and SLE experience were more like to have more severe depressive symptoms (β=2.16, 95% CI=1.02-3.30). These findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention measures addressing the occurrence of CT and SLE to mitigate the risk of MDD development and the severity of depressive symptoms.

The relationship between childhood trauma and romantic relationship satisfaction: the role of attachment and social support

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of childhood trauma on romantic relationship satisfaction among college students, focusing on the mediating role of attachment and the moderating role of social support.MethodsA total of 1,404 college students from Wuhu, Anqing, Chaohu, Bengbu, Fuyang, and Wuhan participated in this study. Participants completed a series of self-report questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Romantic Relationship Satisfaction Scale (RRSS). Demographic variables such as grade were collected to control for potential confounding factors. Statistical analyses included correlation analyses, regression models, and moderated mediation analyses using PROCESS Macro.ResultsChildhood trauma negatively predicted romantic relationship satisfaction both directly (β = -0.06, t = -2.11, p &amp;lt; 0.05) and indirectly through attachment (β = -0.07, t = -2.59, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Social support moderated the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment, with the effect of childhood trauma on attachment strengthening as social support increased (low: t = 2.18, p = 0.03; high: t = 4.37, p &amp;lt; 0.001). However, social support did not significantly moderate the direct effect of childhood trauma on romantic relationship satisfaction.DiscussionAttachment mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and romantic relationship satisfaction, while social support moderated the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment. These findings suggest that interventions should focus on improving attachment styles and strengthening social support to mitigate the negative effects of childhood trauma on romantic relationships.

Age-related differences in borderline personality disorder traits and childhood maltreatment: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionThis study investigates age-related differences in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) traits and childhood maltreatment (CM) experiences among adolescents, young adults, and older adults within a clinical sample.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed, involving 2029 outpatients aged 15-50 years from the Shanghai Mental Health Center. BPD traits were assessed using the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4th Edition Plus (PDQ-4+), and CM experiences were evaluated using the Child Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF). Participants were categorized into three age groups: adolescents (15-21 years), young adults (22-30 years), and older adults (31-50 years).ResultsAdolescents reported significantly higher frequencies of BPD traits and diagnoses compared to young adults and older adults (p=0.036). Specifically, identity disturbance and impulsivity were more pronounced in adolescents (p&amp;lt;0.001). Additionally, adolescents reported higher levels of emotional (F=15.987, p&amp;lt;0.001) and physical abuse (F=12.942, p=0.002), while older adults reported higher levels of emotional and physical neglect. Logistic regression analysis identified key BPD criteria and CM subtypes that differentiated adolescents from adults.DiscussionThe findings underscore the importance of age-specific interventions in treating BPD and addressing childhood maltreatment. Adolescents exhibit distinct patterns of BPD traits and CM experiences, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.

Dissociative psychosis or dissociative schizophrenia? Comparison of two phenomena

BackgroundIn recent years, researchers have reported crucial advances in the understanding of “Dissociative psychosis” and “Dissociative schizophrenia”. While clinical studies in this area have been sustained for well, it remains to be established for some aspects that a clear and valid relationship exists between dissociation, childhood traumatic experiences, and schizophrenia or psychotic spectrum disorders. Methods: To test such hypotheses, we divided the patients into two groups; the first group consisted of patients with psychotic disorders not otherwise specified (PNOS), and the second group consisted of schizophrenic patients. Further, we have investigated the symptoms of dissociation, its relation to childhood traumatic experiences, and psychotic symptoms. The study included 81 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and 81 patients diagnosed with PNOS. Researchers assessed participants using the Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: The present study showed that patients with PNOS have higher dissociation and childhood traumatic experiences scores than the schizophrenic group and that the patients with the PNOS group yielded elevated physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and bodily neglect scores as compared to the schizophrenic group. However, the PNOS group exhibited significantly lower PANSS total, PANSS negative, and PANSS general psychopathology scores compared to the schizophrenia group. DIS-Q and total CTQ level were also significant predictors of PNOS. Conclusion: Our results of statistical comparisons have supported the existence of the clinical manifestation known as dissociative psychosis, not dissociative schizophrenia.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in College Students: Differences Between the Subject Group and Comparison Group

In recent years, self-injury attempts have accounted for 46.2% of emergency room visits by teenagers and young adults. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Korean college students, compare the mean number of NSSI risk factors between those with a history of NSSI and a control group with no history of thoughts or experiences of self-injury, and identify which factors have a greater influence on NSSI. The participants consisted of 403 Korean college students aged 18–29 who were divided into a subject group with a history of NSSI (n = 198) and a comparison group (n = 205) with no history of NSSI. The Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), Social Experience Questionnaire (SEQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale—16 item version (DERS-16), Experiences in Close Relationship Questionnaire-Revised (ECR-R), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Parents as Social Context Questionnaire-Kids (PSCQ-KA), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11-Revised (BIS-11). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Before a regression analysis, a MANOVA was performed to examine the mean difference between groups of each dependent variable, and a multiple regression analysis was performed to confirm the influence. The mean difference in all risk factors in the subject group compared with the comparison group was found to be statistically significant, with an effect size of 0.8 or greater. As a result of examining the relative influence of each variable on NSSI, emotional dysregulation (t = 2.481, p = 0.014), anxiety (t = −2.109, p = 0.036), and adult attachment (t = 2.004, p = 0.046) were found to significantly influence NSSI (p = 0.05). These findings will serve as fundamental data for screening clients at risk of self-injury in counseling and treatment settings, in addition to providing preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Early life stress and functional connectivity in antipsychotic-naïve first episode psychosis patients

The neural mechanisms underlying the association between childhood trauma (CT) and psychosis spectrum disorders remains unclear. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between childhood trauma and functional connectivity of fronto-limbic regions in a large sample of antipsychotic-naïve patients with first episode psychosis (FEP). Resting state fMRI data from 105 FEP patients and 123 healthy controls (HC) were used. Our regions of interest included bilateral hippocampus/amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) total and subscale scores were correlated with the resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) data. Partial correlation analyses indicated that higher CTQ sexual abuse subscale scores in FEP patients were associated with increased left amygdala—vmPFC rsFC (r(59) = 0.27, p < 0.05) and higher CTQ emotional neglect subscale scores in FEP patients were associated with increased left hippocampus—vmPFC rsFC (r(59) = 0.26, p < 0.05). Follow-up analysis showed a significant interaction effect of group (FEP and HC) and CTQ score (sexual abuse subscale) on left amygdala—vmPFC rsFC (β = 0.014, p < 0.05). Higher CTQ sexual abuse subscale scores were associated with increased rsFC in FEP patients (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). but reduced rsFC in healthy controls (β = −0.56, p < 0.001). The results also provide support for the long-term differential impact of trauma subtypes on the human brain. Overall, the results contribute to the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the association between childhood trauma and psychosis spectrum disorders.

Trauma history and persistent poor objective and subjective sleep quality among midlife women.

Whereas some work links trauma exposure to poor subjective sleep quality, studies largely rely upon limited trauma measures and self-reported sleep at one time point. It is unknown whether trauma is related to persistent poor sleep, whether associations differ based on childhood versus adulthood trauma, and whether trauma exposure is related to poorer objectively assessed sleep. We tested whether childhood or adult trauma associated with persistent poor objectively and subjectively measured sleep at two time points in midlife women. One hundred sixty-seven women aged 40-60 at baseline were assessed twice 5 years apart. At baseline, women reported childhood trauma (Child Trauma Questionnaire), adult trauma (Brief Trauma Questionnaire), demographics, depressive symptoms, apnea symptoms, and medical history, and provided physical measures. At both visits, women completed 3 days of actigraphy (total sleep time [TST], wake after sleep onset [WASO]) and reported sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Relations of childhood and adult trauma exposure, respectively, with persistent poor sleep at both baseline and follow-up visits (TST [<6 hours], WASO [>30 minutes], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [>5]) were assessed in logistic regression models, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, sleep medications, nightshift work, apnea, depressive symptoms, vasomotor symptoms, and alcohol use. Childhood trauma was related to persistent high WASO (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.16 [1.04-4.50], P = 0.039, multivariable). Adult trauma was related to persistent poor sleep quality (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.29 [1.07-4.93], P = 0.034, multivariable). Trauma was unrelated to persistent short TST. Childhood and adult trauma, respectively, were related to persistent poor objective sleep continuity and subjective sleep quality in midlife women, independent of risk factors.

The Structural Relationships of Emotional Neglect with Risky Behaviors in Prisoners Considering the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Strategies

This study aimed to investigate the structural relationships of emotional neglect with risky behaviors in prisoners, considering the mediating role of emotion regulation strategies. The research method is descriptive-correlational. The statistical population consists of all prisoners in the city of Shiraz. The research sample included 409 prisoners from Shiraz, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Bernstein et al., 2003), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Garnefski et al., 2001), and the Youth Risk Behavior Scale (Snow et al., 2019). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS 24 and SPSS 27 to evaluate the proposed model. The correlation coefficient results indicated a negative relationship between emotional neglect and adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies with risky behaviors (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant positive relationship between maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and risky behaviors (P ≤ 0.05). The findings suggest an adequate fit of the proposed model with the data. The results of the structural model showed that 25% of the variance in adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and 30% of the variance in maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies were explained by emotional neglect. Furthermore, 44% of the variance in risky behaviors was explained by emotional neglect, adaptive, and maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Based on these findings, early intervention and preventive measures are crucial in reducing the negative impact of emotional neglect. Specifically, focusing on interventions based on mentalization and emotion regulation can significantly improve emotional and relational problems arising from adverse early life experiences.

Individual structural covariance connectome reveals aberrant brain developmental trajectories associated with childhood maltreatment.

The long-term impact of childhood maltreatment (CM) on an individual's physical and mental health is suggested to be mediated by altered neurodevelopment. However, the exact neurobiological consequences of CM remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between CM and brain age based on structural magnetic resonance imaging data from a sample of 214 adults. The participants were divided into CM and non_CM groups according to Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. For each participant, brain connectome age was estimated from a large-scale structural covariance network through relevance vector regression. Brain predicted age difference (brain_PAD) was then calculated for each participant. The brain connectome age matched well with chronological age in young adults (age range: 18-25 years) and adults (age range: 26-44 years) without CM, but not in individuals with CM. Compared with non_CM group, CM group was characterized by higher brain_PAD scores in young adults, whereas lower brain_PAD scores in adults. The finding revealed that brain development in individuals with CM seems to be accelerated in younger adults but retardation with increasing age. Moreover, individuals who suffered child abuse (but not neglect) showed higher brain_PAD scores than non_CM group, suggesting the different influence of abuse and neglect on neurodevelopment. Finally, the brain_PAD was positively correlated with attentional impulsivity in CM group. CM affects different stages of adult brain development differently, and abuse and neglect have different influenced patterns, which may provide new evidence for the impact of CM on structural brain development.

Childhood trauma is linked to epigenetic age deceleration in young adults with previous youth residential care placements

ABSTRACT Background: Early adversity increases the risk for mental and physical disorders as well as premature death. Epigenetic processes, and altered epigenetic aging in particular, might mediate these effects. While the literature that examined links between early adversity and epigenetic aging is growing, results have been heterogeneous. Objective: In the current work, we explored the link between early adversity and epigenetic aging in a sample of formerly out-of-home placed young adults. Method: A total of N = 117 young adults (32% women, age mean = 26.3 years, SD = 3.6 years) with previous youth residential care placements completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Life Events Checklist (LEC-R) and provided blood samples for the analysis of DNA methylation using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip Microarray. Epigenetic age was estimated using Hovarth’s and Hannum’s epigenetic clocks. Furthermore, Hovarth’s and Hannum’s epigenetic age residuals were calculated as a proxy of epigenetic aging by regressing epigenetic age on chronological age. The statistical analysis plan was preregistered (https://osf.io/b9ev8). Results: Childhood trauma (CTQ) was negatively associated with Hannum’s epigenetic age residuals, β = −.23, p = .004 when controlling for sex, BMI, smoking status and proportional white blood cell type estimates. This association was driven by experiences of physical neglect, β = −.25, p = .001. Lifetime trauma exposure (LEC-R) was not a significant predictor of epigenetic age residuals. Conclusion: Childhood trauma, and physical neglect in particular, was associated with decelerated epigenetic aging in our sample. More studies focusing on formerly institutionalized at-risk populations are needed to better understand which factors affect stress-related adaptations following traumatic experiences.

The relationship between childhood maltreatment and self-harm: the mediating roles of alexithymia, dissociation, internalizing and posttraumatic symptoms

ABSTRACT Background: Although childhood maltreatment is associated with later self-harm, the mechanism through which it might lead to self-harm is not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of alexithymia, dissociation, internalizing and posttraumatic symptoms in the association between exposure to childhood maltreatment and subsequent self-harm. Methods: A total of 360 adolescents were asked to complete the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Dissociative Experience Scale, the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire-20, the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist for DSM-5, and the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory. Results: Results of structural equation modelling analysis revealed the significant mediation effects of alexithymia and dissociative symptoms in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and self-harm, while internalizing and posttraumatic symptoms did not significantly mediate. Conclusion: The findings indicate that alexithymia and dissociative symptoms may be proximal mechanisms linking maltreatment exposure and adolescence self-harm.

The influence of childhood trauma and peer influence on substance abuse among psychiatric patients in Ibadan

This study explored the influence of childhood trauma and peer influence on the development of substance use disorders among psychiatric patients in Ibadan, Nigeria. Given the increasing prevalence of substance use disorders and their link to various psychosocial factors, it is crucial to understand the role of early life experiences and social interactions in shaping these behaviours. The research employed a descriptive survey design, involving 15 male psychiatric patients diagnosed with substance use disorders at the New World Specialist Hospital. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Peer Influence Scale (PIS), and Substance Use Disorder Scale (SUDS). Data were analysed using Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis to determine the relationships between childhood trauma, peer influence, and the severity of substance use disorders. The results revealed significant correlations between both childhood trauma and peer influence with substance use disorders. Childhood trauma emerged as a strong predictor of substance abuse severity, while peer influence contributed moderately to the likelihood of substance misuse. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that these two factors together accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in substance use disorders among the participants. Based on these findings, the study recommends early intervention strategies focusing on trauma recovery and peer influence management to mitigate substance misuse. Policymakers and mental health professionals should collaborate to implement targeted prevention and treatment programmes. Additionally, the findings suggest the need for further research to explore these factors in larger, more diverse populations.

Working Memory and Inhibition as Mediators in the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Emotional Eating.

Objective: Previous studies have focused on the dual relationship among adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), cognitive abilities, and emotional eating. The current study aims to test the mediating role of executive functioning (working memory and inhibition) between ACEs and emotional eating. Methods: A total of 1105 community-based participants, aged 18-45 (Mean = 26.28, SD = 7.09), were included in the study. Among the participants, 698 (63.16%) were female, and 407 (36.84%) were male. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; the Adult Executive Functioning Inventory; the Dutch Eating Behaviour Scale; the Life Events Checklist; and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale Short Form. Multiple mediation analyses were employed using MPlus 8.3. Results: Multiple mediation analysis results showed that working memory and inhibition mediate the relationship between ACEs and emotional eating. Furthermore, working memory and inhibition were positively correlated with emotional eating. Discussion: Our findings indicate that difficulties in working memory and inhibition may increase the risk of emotional eating. Early intervention targeting executive functions may prevent emotional eating. Public Significance: Our findings highlight the relationship among ACEs, executive functioning, and emotional eating. Intervening in executive function may have clinical benefits for individuals with ACEs.

Traumatic experiences, dissociative symptoms, and alexithymia in patients with alopecia areata.

Although genetic, environmental, autoimmune, and psychological factors are believed to play a role in the onset of alopecia areata (AA), the exact cause remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether there are differences in traumatic experiences, dissociative symptoms, and alexithymia levels between groups. Fifty eight patients diagnosed with AA, 58 individuals with dermatological diseases thought to have a low psychosomatic component, and 58 individuals not diagnosed with any chronic disease were included in the study. All participants were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-28), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). A Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5-CV) form was used to exclude additional psychiatric diagnoses. Mean scores on the CTQ-28 scale revealed differences between groups in terms of physical neglect and emotional neglect scores (p < 0.001; p = 0.022; p < 0.001). There were no differences in DES scores between groups (p = 0.085). When compared in terms of TAS-20 and PCL-5 scores, differences were found (p = 0.016; p = 0.024). As a result of this study, it was concluded that physical neglect and emotional neglect could play a significant role in the onset of AA. Alexithymia and traumatic stress disorder symptoms might be more prevalent in patients with AA.

Biological links between psychological factors and adolescent depression: childhood trauma, rumination, and resilience

BackgroundThe psychosocial factors play an important role in the development of depression in adolescents. we used metabolomics techniques to explore the links among childhood trauma, rumination, resilience, and adolescent depression.MethodsWe selected 57 adolescent depression patients and 53 healthy adolescents. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Redundant Thinking Response Scale (RRS) were employed for the purpose of psychological assessment. The patients were regrouped according to their scores using the 27% high-low grouping method. Blood specimens were collected from all adolescents and metabolic data were obtained using LC–MS.ResultsWe found no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). HAMD, CTQ, and RRS scores were significantly higher in the adolescent depression group (MDD) than in the adolescent healthy control group (HC), and CD-RISP scores were significantly lower than in the HC group (P < 0.001). There were significant differences between the low childhood trauma group (LCT) and high childhood trauma group (HCT), the low rumination group (LRR) and high rumination group (HRR), and the low resilience group (LPR) and high resilience group (HPR) (P < 0.001). RRS, CTQ and HAMD scores were positively correlated, RRS and CTQ scores were positively correlated, CD-RIS was negatively correlated with HAMD, RRS and CTQ scores (P < 0.01). More importantly, we found that DHEAS and LPA (22:6) were identified as significant differential metabolites in both the depressed and normal groups, as well as in the high and low childhood trauma groups. N-Acetyl-L-aspartic acid and DHEAS were identified as significant differential metabolites in both the depressed and normal groups, as well as in the high and low childhood rumination groups. Pseudouridine and LPA(22:6) were identified as significant differential metabolites in both the depressed and normal groups, as well as in the high and low childhood resilience groups.ConclusionPsychological factors (childhood trauma, rumination, resilience) are biologically linked to the development of depression in adolescents. The impact of rumination on adolescent depression may be associated with DHEA. The impact of childhood trauma and resilience on adolescent depression may be associated with LPA (22:6).

Effects of childhood trauma on sustained attention in major depressive disorder: the mediating role of brain activity and functional connectivity

BackgroundSustained attention deficits were reported more significant in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) than in healthy controls (HCs), and are pivotal in both the development and aggravation of depression. Childhood trauma is also common in MDD and the exposure to childhood trauma may impede sustained attention and increase the treatment resistance in MDD. However, the underlying neuro-mechanisms link the childhood trauma to sustained attention deficits in MDD remain unclear.MethodsWe collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, and measured childhood trauma severity using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and sustained attention using the Continuous Performance Test, Identical Pairs version. After excluding subjects with significant head movement, 45 MDDs and 54 HCs were included in the analysis. We compared fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) between the groups, conducted whole-brain correlation analysis between the fALFF and sustained attention in the MDD group, and defined significant regions as the regions of interest for the seed-to-whole brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis. We further performed mediation analyses to investigate the relationships among the childhood trauma, fALFF and FC values, and the level of sustained attention in the MDD group.ResultsCompared with HCs, MDDs exhibited higher fALFF in the right middle frontal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus, and lower fALFF in the bilateral insular cortex, left medial orbital superior frontal gyrus and left angular gyrus (ANG.L). Whole-brain correlation analysis showed that impaired sustained attention was associated with increased fALFF in the left postcentral gyrus (PoCG.L), and FC of PoCG.L-left precentral gyrus (PreCG.L) and ANG.L-right superior temporal gyrus (STG.R) in the MDD group. Furthermore, mediation analyses showed that the fALFF in PoCG.L, and FC of PoCG.L-PreCG.L and ANG.L-STG.R mediated the relationship between the childhood trauma and sustained attention in the MDD group.ConclusionThe fALFF in PoCG.L, and FC of PoCG.L-PreCG.L and ANG.L-STG.R might be potential neural substrate in the association between the childhood trauma and poor sustained attention in the MDDs, and might serve as potential intervention targets for the treatment of sustained attention deficits in MDDs with childhood trauma history.

Use of Suppression as an Emotional Regulation Strategy in Iranian Adolescents Who Have Experienced Childhood Traumas

Background: Studies have indicated that acquisition emotion regulation strategies are associated with childhood maltreatments. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to predict use of suppression as an emotional regulation strategy in Iranian adolescents who have experienced childhood traumas. Methods: This study was conducted cross-sectional among Iranian adolescents that were social medias user and the convenience sampling method was used for recruiting participant. 302 adolescents (ages 12 - 17; M = 16, SD =1.37) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Gross &amp; John Emotion Regulation Scale (ERQ). SAtepwise regression was used to analyze data. Results and Conclusions: Results indicated that physical abuse was significant predictor of acquisition of reappraisal (p &lt; 0.05). More research on the role of factors mediating the relationship between childhood traumas and acquisition of suppression are needed.

Interaction between COMT gene polymorphisms and childhood trauma in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury

To investigate the interaction between catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms and childhood trauma in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and to provide a basis for the prevention and intervention of NSSI among adolescents. A total of 84 adolescents with NSSI and 87 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Oral saliva samples were collected for genotyping of the COMT gene at rs4680 and rs165599. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Behavioral Function Assessment Scale of Non-suicidal Self-injury in Adolescents, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items were used for mental health assessment. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine the main effect and interactive effect of COMT gene polymorphisms at rs4680 and rs165599 and childhood trauma on NSSI. The Johnson-Neyman technique was used to identify the regions where the moderating variables had a significant impact. The interaction between COMT gene polymorphisms at rs165599 and the subtype of emotional neglect in childhood trauma could predict NSSI in adolescents (β=0.251, t=2.329, P=0.022). As for the adolescents carrying the G/G genotype at rs165599, the high emotional neglect group had a significantly higher NSSI score than the low emotional neglect group (F=4.579, P=0.049). Adolescents carrying the G/G genotype at rs165599 of the COMT gene may have an increase in susceptibility to NSSI in case of high emotional neglect in childhood.