Number Of Stressful Life Events Research Articles

Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in youth with vs without chronic pain.

Chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been found to co-occur in adults; however, research has not examined this co-occurrence in adolescence, when pediatric chronic pain often first emerges. The aims of this study were to compare the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms and stressful life events in cohorts of youth with (n = 95) and without (n = 100) chronic pain and their parents and to determine the association between PTSD symptoms, health-related quality of life, and pain symptoms within the chronic pain sample. All participants completed questionnaire measures through an online survey. Findings revealed that youth with chronic pain and their parents had significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms as compared with pain-free peers. More youth with chronic pain (32%) and their parents (20%) reported clinically significant elevations in PTSD symptoms than youth without chronic pain (8%) and their parents (1%). Youth with chronic pain also reported a greater number of stressful life events than those without chronic pain, and this was associated with higher PTSD symptoms. Among the chronic pain cohort, higher levels of PTSD symptoms were predictive of worse health-related quality of life and were associated with higher pain intensity, unpleasantness, and interference. Results suggest that elevated PTSD symptoms are common and linked to reduced functioning among youth with chronic pain. Future research is needed to examine PTSD at the diagnostic level and the underlying mechanisms that may explain why this co-occurrence exists.

Maternal adversities during pregnancy and cord blood oxytocin receptor (OXTR) DNA methylation.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether maternal adversities and cortisol levels during pregnancy predict cord blood DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). We collected cord blood of 39 babies born to mothers participating in a cross-sectional study (N = 100) conducted in Basel, Switzerland (2007-10). Mothers completed the Inventory of Life Events (second trimester: T2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, third trimester: T3), the Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress (TICS-K, 1-3 weeks postpartum) and provided saliva samples (T2, T3) for maternal cortisol profiles, as computed by the area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) or increase (AUCi) for the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and for diurnal cortisol profiles (DAY). OXTR DNA methylation was quantified using Sequenom EpiTYPER. The number of stressful life events (P = 0.032), EPDS score (P = 0.007) and cortisol AUCgs at T2 (CAR: P = 0.020; DAY: P = 0.024) were negatively associated with OXTR DNA methylation. Our findings suggest that distinct prenatal adversities predict decreased DNA methylation in a gene that is relevant for childbirth, maternal behavior and wellbeing of mother and offspring. If a reduced OXTR methylation increases OXTR expression, our findings could suggest an epigenetic adaptation to an adverse early environment.

Can Religious Beliefs be a Protective Factor for Suicidal Behavior? A Decision Tree Analysis in a Mid-Sized City in Iran, 2013.

This study aimed to assess using tree-based models the impact of different dimensions of religion and other risk factors on suicide attempts in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Three hundred patients who attempted suicide and 300 age- and sex-matched patient attendants with other types of disease who referred to Kerman Afzalipour Hospital were recruited for this study following a convenience sampling. Religiosity was assessed by the Duke University Religion Index. A tree-based model was constructed using the Gini Index as the homogeneity criterion. A complementary discrimination analysis was also applied. Variables contributing to the construction of the tree were stressful life events, mental disorder, family support, and religious belief. Strong religious belief was a protective factor for those with a low number of stressful life events and those with a high mental disorder score; 72% of those who formed these two groups had not attempted suicide. Moreover, 63% of those with a high number of stressful life events, strong family support, strong problem-solving skills, and a low mental disorder score were less likely to attempt suicide. The significance of four other variables, GHQ, problem-coping skills, friend support, and neuroticism, was revealed in the discrimination analysis. Religious beliefs seem to be an independent factor that can predict risk for suicidal behavior. Based on the decision tree, religious beliefs among people with a high number of stressful life events might not be a dissuading factor. Such subjects need more family support and problem-solving skills.

A Comparative Study of Depressive Episode in Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder

Distinguishing between major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder is important because there are differences in the optimal management of these conditions. Antidepressant treatment of bipolar depression (BPD) can adversely affect long-term prognosis by causingdestabilisation of mood and more frequent depressive episodes, and can lead to the development of treatment resistance. Most people with bipolar disorder experience depression rather than mania as their first episode of illness. It is clinically desirable to recognise, or at least to suspect,bipolar depression at an early stage of a bipolar illness. 
 OBJECTIVE : Comparison of depressive episode in major depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder in a tertiary care general hospital, psychiatry unit. 
 METHOD : 80 cases of unipolar depression and 54 cases of bipolar depression were compared on the basis of socio-demographic profile, family history of mood disorder and clinical features using Semi structured questionnaire for socio-demographic profile and validated Bengaliversion of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). 
 RESULTS : Bipolar depression is characterized by early age of onset, more number of previous episodes, positive family history, more severe in nature associated with prominent features of guilt feeling, self dislike, self accusation, suicidal ideas, irritability, social withdrawal, fatigability and loss of libido. Major depressive disorder shows female preponderance, more number of stressful life events before episodes. Body image change, insomnia, anorexia, weight loss, somatic pre-occupation are more in unipolar depression.

Medical undergraduates and pathological internet use: Interplay of stressful life events and resilience

Background: Being in the age of technological advancement, the human mind is under constant risk of being engulfed by social media leading to pathological internet use. Cyberworld serves as a buffer under stress by means of satisfying various needs of an individual in the form of entertainment, access to information, gaining recognition and maintaining relationships. Conversely, the morbid preoccupation of the internet was found to be averted by positive coping resilience and sense of self-efficacy under stressful condition. Objectives: To observe the pattern of internet use in medical students and to explore any possible relationship of internet use with stressful life event and resilience level. Materials and Methods: The study sample was drawn from medical undergraduates using semistructured questionnaire consisting of demographic profile, details of various aspects of internet use, internet addiction test questionnaire (IAT), resilience scale and student stress scale (SSS). Results: Almost all of the participants (n = 98) used the internet and social media. Mean age of the sample was 20.41 (±1.64) years, 64.3% were male and 35.7% female. On IAT, 80.6% students were moderate users, and 19.4% were problem users. IAT negatively correlated with resilience (r = −0.272, P = 0.007), whereas positively correlated with SSS total score (r = 0.330, P = 0.001) and total number of stressful life events (r = 0.335, P = 0.001). 30.6% of the students stated that a major life event had influenced their internet usage. In the linear regression model, life event appeared as a significant predictor of IAT score. Conclusion: Medical students acknowledge the role of the internet in surviving the enormous stress level brought on by various life events. At the same time, stressful life events could predict IA.

Reproductive Development And Related Effects Of Phthalate Diesters In Males And Modification By Maternal Stress

We propose to expand the concept of endocrine disruption to include non-chemical exposures (psychosocial stress, hyperthermia and malnutrition) that may also interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse health effects. For example, in rodents prenatal stress disrupts the normal surge of testosterone in the developing male and may also act as an androgen on the developing female. Here we present data from two multi-center pregnancy cohort studies in which we examined psychosocial stress in relation to androgen sensitive, sexually dimorphic endpoints. In the first of these studies (The Study for Future Families (SFF); 2000-2002), participants were asked about the occurrence of major stressful life events during pregnancy. We measure anogenital distance (AGD), a sexually dimorphic index of prenatal androgen exposure, in the resulting infants (mean age 16 months). After adjustment for age and body size, females born to couples reporting high stress had significantly longer (i.e. more masculine) AGD than females born to couples reporting low stress (p=0.015). When these children were 4-7 their mothers were asked to complete the Preschool Activities Inventory (PSAI), a standardized questionnaire that measures sexually dimorphic play behavior. We found that girls, but not boys, with a history of more prenatal stressful life events had significantly more masculine scores than those with fewer life events (β=3.48, p=0.006). More recently, in The Infant Development and the Environment Study (TIDES) women were enrolled in four US cities in their first trimester in 2010-2012 and AGD measured in their infants at birth. Phthalate metabolite concentrations were measured in first trimester urine samples and women reported on major stressful life events during pregnancy. We saw a significant inverse association between first trimester exposure to DEHP and AGD in males (sum DEHP metabolites β=-1.26, p=0.029, N=366). While we did not see a direct effect of stress on AGD in this second study, we saw strong evidence that maternal stress modified the phthalate-AGD association. When stratifying by number of stressful life events, this association was stronger in those with low stress (sum DEHP metabolites β=-1.78, p=0.004) but absent in those reporting high stress (β=1.62, p=0.242). Together these preliminary data suggest that prenatal stressful life events may exert androgenic action and modify the effects of prenatal exposure to antiandrogens on genital and neurodevelopment.

Correlation Between Life Events and Quality of Life in Patients with Medication-Overuse Headache.

The present study aimed to determine (a) the correlation between type and number of stressful life events and quality of life in patients with medication-overuse headache (MOH) and (b) whether stressful life events could be attributed to medication overuse and the conversion of headache to a chronic type. The present study included 114 patients aged between 15 and 65 years who met the criteria for headache classification of International Headache Society (IHS). The patients were divided into three groups according to the revised 2004 IHS classification; MOH (n=64), chronic migraine (n=25) and episodic migraine (n=25). Detailed data on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded. Neurological and physical examinations were performed for differential diagnosis. The patients underwent structured clinical interviews for DSM-IV Inventory (SCID-I), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Life Events List. Scores of these inventories were statistically compared. Comparing MOH group with episodic migraine group via SF-36, statistically significant decreases were observed in the subscales of physical role limitation (p=.024), pain (p=.0001), general health (p=.043) and social functioning (p=.004). There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of life events and the time the disease became chronic in the patient group with non-MOH chronic migraine (p=.027). Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was observed between stressful family life events and the body pain subscale of quality of life scale (p=.038). The present study demonstrates that stressful life events impair quality of life in patients with MOH. It was also found that number of stressful life events could be attributed to the conversion of headache to a chronic type.

Social Support: Moderator or Mediator Effect on Quality of Life of Persons Living With HIV/AIDS?

Social support (SS) was investigated as a predictor of quality of life (QoL) and a moderator and mediator in the relationship between stressful life events (SLE) and QoL in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Data were obtained from 809 PLWHA in the course of interviews using standardized questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis indicated SS accounted for 24% of the variance in QoL, R2 = .2447, p < .0001. Results from generalized estimating equations analysis proved significant and SS, χ2 = 96.21, p < .0001, number of SLE, χ2 = 55.16, p < .0001, and intensity of SLE, χ2 = 56.27, p < .0001, were found to predict QoL. The Sobel test results revealed SS to have a partial mediating effect, Sobel's z = −3.625, p < .0003. The results suggest SS represents a key variable to consider when planning care strategies aimed at optimizing the QoL of PLWHA.

La teoría de la alóstasis como mecanismo explicativo entre los apegos inseguros y la vulnerabilidad a enfermedades crónicas

The attachment bond has been proven to be a vulnerability factor for chronic diseases. This article seeks to clarify this relationship by the theory of allostasis. Allostasis theory refers to the regulation of complex physiological processes by systemic response in the body maintaining physiological stability when a person is confronted by challenges. The insecure attachments confront children from his first years with stressful events, by failing to provide security, fundamental purpose of attachment. In this way insecure attachments could impact the calibration of the stress system in the early age and would be factors that increases the allostatic load by a larger number of stressful life events compare to people with secure attachment, a cognitive appraisal of threat that leads to the development of hypervigilance and the impact on stress regulation systems in the body.

Association between Stressful Life Events and Cognitive Disorders in Central Africa: Results from the EPIDEMCA Program

Background: Stressful life events (SLEs) are considered potential risk factors for cognitive disorders. Our objective was to investigate the association between SLEs and cognitive disorders among the elderly people in Central Africa. Method: A population-based study was conducted in the Central African Republic (CAR) and the Republic of Congo (ROC). Participants aged ≥65 were interviewed using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia. Those who performed poorly were clinically assessed by neurologists. DSM-IV and Petersen criteria were required for a diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), respectively. SLEs were assessed through 18 questions about events that occurred during childhood, adulthood and late-life. Sociodemographic, vascular and psychological factors were also documented. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations. Results: MCI was positively associated with: the total number of SLEs (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.2), the number of SLEs from the age of 65 (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3), the number of SLEs before the age of 16 among non-depressive participants (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2-2.2) and with a serious illness in a child experienced when the participant was aged 65 or more (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.6-4.6). No association with dementia was observed. Conclusion: SLEs were positively associated with MCI but not dementia. More comprehensive studies are needed to further investigate this relationship.

Life stress as potential risk factor for depression and burnout

ObjectiveDepression and burnout are two psychopathological labels that have been subject to an extensive discussion over the last decades. The crucial question is whether they can be seen as conceptually equal or as two distinct syndromes. One argument for the distinction is that depression impacts on the whole life of a suffering person whereas burnout is restricted to the job context. Depression has been shown to be affected by life stress. The more stressful life events a person experiences, the more he or she is susceptible for developing a depression. As there is the widespread but controversial opinion that burnout is a prodromal syndrome of depression, the present study examined whether the number of stressful life events is also associated with an increased risk for burnout. MethodsN=755 healthy participants and N=397 depressed patients completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II) and reported the extent of experienced life stress. ResultsA significantly closer relation between depression and life stress than between burnout and life stress was found in the healthy (z=3.01, p=.003) as well as in the depressed sample (z=3.41, p=.001). This finding was supported in both samples by means of a path analytic approach where the associations between life stress, burnout, and depression were controlled for possible mediator and moderator effects, also considering the influence of age. ConclusionBy considering the influence of life stress it could be demonstrated that depression and burnout are not identical although they share substantial phenotypic variance (r=.46–.61). Most important, the trivariate associations are the same in a representative employee sample and in an inpatient clinical sample suggesting the same underlying mechanisms covering the whole range from normal behavior to psychopathology. However, only longitudinal data can show if burnout necessarily turns into depression with the consequence that the burnout – life stress association approaches the depression – life stress association over time.

A Population-Based Longitudinal Study of Recent Stressful Life Events as Risk Factors for Suicidal Behavior in Major Depressive Disorder

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the type and number of stressful life events (SLEs) will be associated with suicidal behavior in a 3-year follow-up period in persons with major depressive disorder (MDD). Data came from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative longitudinal survey of mental health in non-institutionalized adults in the United States. The survey consisted of two waves: Wave 1 (2001-–2002) and Wave 2 (2004–2005), n = 34,653. Twelve past-year SLEs were assessed at baseline. These SLEs were categorized into the following groups based on previous research: Loss or victimization; Relationship, friendship, or interpersonal stress; Financial stress; and Legal problems. Only respondents with MDD at Wave 1 were included (n = 6,004). Several SLEs were strongly associated with suicide attempts, among which, “serious problems with neighbor, friend, or relative” (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.21; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.41, 3.45) and “major financial crisis, bankruptcy, or unable to pay bills” (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.66) were the most robust predictors of suicide attempts even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and any anxiety, substance use, or personality disorder. People with MDD who had been exposed to certain SLEs are at elevated risk for future suicide attempts, even after accounting for the demographic factors and psychiatric comorbidity.

Psychological distress and stressful life events in pediatric complex regional pain syndrome.

There is little knowledge regarding the association between psychological factors and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in children. Specifically, it is not known which factors precipitate CRPS and which result from the ongoing painful disease. To examine symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as the experience of stressful life events in children with CRPS compared with children with chronic primary headaches and functional abdominal pain. A retrospective chart study examined children with CRPS (n=37) who received intensive inpatient pain treatment between 2004 and 2010. They were compared with two control groups (chronic primary headaches and functional abdominal pain; each n=37), who also received intensive inpatient pain treatment. Control groups were matched with the CRPS group with regard to admission date, age and sex. Groups were compared on symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as stressful life events. Children with CRPS reported lower anxiety and depression scores compared with children with abdominal pain. A higher number of stressful life events before and after the onset of the pain condition was observed for children with CRPS. Children with CRPS are not particularly prone to symptoms of anxiety or depression. Importantly, children with CRPS experienced more stressful life events than children with chronic headaches or abdominal pain. Prospective long-term studies are needed to further explore the potential role of stressful life events in the etiology of CRPS.

The association between psychosocial stress and mortality is mediated by lifestyle and chronic diseases: The Hoorn Study

Psychosocial stress is associated with chronic disease. We evaluated whether in the general population the number of stressful life events is associated with risk of mortality and whether this association is mediated by behavioral factors and morbidities. We conducted this study in the Hoorn cohort; a population-based cohort study among older men and women. Our main variable of interest was the number of stressful life events experienced during the previous 5 years, which were assessed by questionnaire. We calculated Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality during follow-up for those who experienced stressful life events compared to those who did not.We included 2385 participants (46% male; 62 ± 7 years). During 20 years of follow-up 834 (35%) participants died, of whom 239 (28.6%) died of cardiovascular disease. Compared to the group with no stressful life events, the age, sex and socioeconomic status adjusted HRs (with 95% confidence intervals) for all-cause mortality, for the groups who had 1 event, 2 events, 3 events and ≥4 events were 0.89 (0.72–1.09), 1.01 (0.81–1.24), 1.29 (1.00–1.66) and 1.44 (1.08–1.92), respectively. Similar results were observed for cardiovascular mortality. Mediation analysis showed that smoking, prevalent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease were statistically significant mediators of the association between the number of stressful life events and mortality. Having 3 or more stressful life events is associated with a significantly increased risk for mortality in an elderly population-based cohort. This association is mediated by smoking, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Association between parent and child distress and the moderating effects of life events in families with and without a history of pediatric cancer.

Examined the associations between parental and child distress, and moderating effects of child exposure to life events, in families with and without a history of pediatric cancer. Children with cancer and their parents (N = 255) and healthy comparison dyads (N = 142) completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Children reported on the total number of stressful life events they had experienced. Correlations between parental and child symptoms were examined. Moderating effects of child exposure to life events were tested using multiple regression. Parent and child symptoms were significantly related only in the cancer group. Child exposure to life events attenuated this relationship. Moderation effects were significant at or below average levels of life stress. The experience of childhood cancer may strengthen the link between parent and child psychological functioning. However, child exposure to other life events may weaken this link.

Low-grade inflammation disrupts structural plasticity in the human brain

Increased low-grade inflammation is thought to be associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by decreased neuronal plasticity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between structural changes in the human brain during cognitive training and the intensity of low-grade peripheral inflammation in healthy individuals (n=56). A two-month training (30min/day) with a platformer video game resulted in a significantly increased volume of the right hippocampal formation. The number of stressful life events experienced during the past year was associated with less pronounced enlargement of the hippocampus. However, the main predictor of hippocampal volume expansion was the relative peripheral expression of Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB), a transcription factor playing a central role in the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein levels were not related to hippocampal plasticity when NF-κB was taken into consideration. These results suggest that more intensive peripheral inflammation is associated with weaker neuronal plasticity during cognitive training.

Rejection Attitudes, Poor Parental Bonding, and Stressful Life Events in Heroin Addicts’ Families

Background: The influence of family factors on the development and/or on maintenance of heroin addiction still remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate family factors, which might be associated with heroin addiction in a sample of male individuals. Methods: A group of 40 heroin addicts’ families was compared with a group of 17 families with a member presenting schizophrenia and a group of 27 families with mentally healthy members in regard to (1) parents’ rejection attitudes toward their adult child, (2) quality of parental bond, as perceived by the adult child, and (3) stressful life events in the nuclear family. Results: The main findings showed that the degree of rejection by the fathers in the heroin addicts’ families as well as in the subjects with schizophrenia was significantly higher compared to the fathers’ degree of rejection in the control group. Moreover, the degree of rejection by mothers in the heroin addicts’ families was significantly higher compared to the mothers’ degree of rejection in the control group. Heroin addicts reported that they had perceived less care from their fathers than healthy controls. The total number of stressful life events in the nuclear family was higher in the patients with schizophrenia in comparison to the healthy controls. Also, in the heroin addicts’ group, a significantly higher number of fathers presented a current or past psychiatric disorder. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed the importance of negative family factors in the course of heroin addiction.

The serotonin transporter gene polymorphism 5-HTTLPR moderates the effects of stress on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

The role of the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism 5-HTTLPR in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unclear. Heterogeneity of findings may be explained by gene-environment interactions (GxE), as it has been suggested that S-allele carriers are more reactive to psychosocial stress than L-allele homozygotes. This study aimed to investigate whether 5-HTTLPR genotype moderates the effects of stress on ADHD in a multisite prospective ADHD cohort study. 5-HTTLPR genotype, as well as the number of stressful life events in the past 5years and ongoing long-term difficulties, was determined in 671 adolescents and young adults with ADHD, their siblings, and healthy controls (57.4% male, average age 17.3years). Linear mixed models, accounting for family relatedness, were applied to investigate the effects of genotype, experienced stress, and their interaction on ADHD severity at time point T2, while controlling for ADHD severity at T1 (mean follow-up time 5.9years) and for comorbid internalizing problems at T2. The interaction between genotype and stress significantly predicted ADHD severity at T2 (p=.006), which was driven by the effect on hyperactivity-impulsivity (p=.004). Probing of the interaction effect made clear that S-allele carriers had a significantly more positive correlation between stress and ADHD severity than L-allele homozygotes. The results show that the interaction between 5-HTTLPR and stress is a mechanism involved particularly in the hyperactivity/impulsivity dimension of ADHD, and that this is independent of comorbid internalizing problems. Further research into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this interaction effect is warranted.

Stress, race, and APOE: understanding the interplay of risk factors for changes in cognitive functioning

Objectives: Biological and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the development of cognitive decline (CD). The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ϵ4 allele is the greatest known genetic risk factor. The current study focused on the extent to which environmental factors, specifically stress, influence the relationship between the APOE allele and cognitive functioning and whether this relationship is stronger for African-Americans compared to Caucasians.Methods: Participants consisted of community-dwelling older adults from the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (N = 4,162). Data were drawn from two waves, which were three years apart. Cognitive functioning was assessed at both waves using the Short Portable Mental Status (SPMSQ).Results: Whereas there was no main effect of stress, there was a significant interaction between APOE status and stressful life events, such that increased stress in individuals with an ϵ4 allele lead to more errors on the SPMSQ than individuals with no allele. Inconsistent with predictions, there was a significant interaction between stress and race such that increased stressful events predicted CD in Caucasians but not African-Americans.Conclusions: Recent stressful late-life events have a greater impact on the cognitive status of individuals with an ϵ4 allele. While Caucasians appear to be less vulnerable to cognitive losses at lower levels of stress, as the number of stressful life events increases that advantage disappears for Caucasians.

Development of mental health problems - a follow-up study of unaccompanied refugee minors.

BackgroundStudies have shown that unaccompanied refugee children have elevated symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and externalizing problems. Few studies have examined change in this group’s mental health symptoms after resettlement in a new country, particularly for those who arrive to a host country when being under the age of 15.MethodThe sample included 75 unaccompanied refugee children (mean age 16.5 years, SD =1.6; 83% boys) who settled in Norway. We examined change in the number of stressful life events, symptoms of PTSD (Child PTSD Symptom Scale; CPSS), and symptoms of anxiety, depression and externalizing problems (Hopkins Symptom Checklist; HSCL-37A) from 6 months after arrival (T1) to 1.9 years (SD =0.6) later (T2) using paired samples t-tests. Linear regression models were used to examine whether length of stay, level of education or change in the number of experienced stressful life events predicted symptom change.ResultsThere was a small and non-significant change in the mean scores of both symptom scales between T1 and T2, although there was considerable variation among the participants. The number of children who remained above the clinical cut-off value from T1 to T2 was as follows: 28 of 47 (59.6%) on the CPSS and eight of 16 (50.0%) on the HSCL-37A. There was a significant increase in the number of reported stressful life events from T1 to T2. An increase in reported stressful life events predicted an increase in PTSS (β =1.481, 95% CI .552 to 2.411). Length of stay, increase in stressful life events and level of education did not predict changes in the HSCL-37A.ConclusionsThere was no average change in the level of PTSS, depression, anxiety, or externalizing problems in this group of unaccompanied refugee children from shortly after arrival to nearly two years later. The large variation in change scores across informants indicates a need for monitoring the development of mental health problems and securing that the youth’s primary psychosocial needs are met. The high rate of children above clinical cut-off on the symptoms scales and with suicidal ideation indicates that many may be in need of treatment.