Related Trauma Research Articles

The Umbilical.

Traditional psychoanalytic approaches view excessive parental, social or relational involvement in human development as an opportunity for linking complex gender and identity experiences. The analyst's unconscious bias might present them with an opportunity for interpretation that might resemble something akin to conversion therapy. All of which leaves the patient feeling alienated thereby confirming their exiled Self. Early relational trauma affects every gender and sexual identity. In turn each traumatic situation, from inappropriate interference to traumatic abuse, affects how an individual forms and experiences relationships. Gender and sexual identity are fluid agencies of the Self within all human development. For people who are non-normative when it comes to their gender, identity or sexuality, evidence of early relational trauma should not unthinkingly be treated alongside mental health struggles. This clinical paper explores the once-weekly analytic work with a young trans man who was exiled and lived in a dysregulated state of mind from his early relational trauma. This paper uses images from the artist Louise Bourgeois to explore the early development of projective identification and to propose that this becomes a way of exiling unwanted feelings into the Other with the hope of finding a place of belonging as if through a psychic umbilical.

Uncertain reflective functioning, anxious attachment, and cumulative impact of early relational trauma as predictors of severity in borderline personality disorder

ABSTRACT Background: The mentalization model of borderline personality disorder (BPD) utilizes a developmental psychopathology lens, emphasizing an unstable or reduced capacity to mentalize—stemming from early attachment disruptions and relational trauma—as the core feature of BPD. While the empirical evidence for the proposed intersections between mentalizing, attachment, and trauma and the development and manifestations of borderline personality is still limited, this knowledge is essential for developing effective assessments and interventions. Aim: To examine mentalizing, attachment, and early relational trauma as predictors of the severity of symptoms in BPD. Materials and Methods: The sample included 60 individuals diagnosed with BPD, aged 18–45 years, recruited from inpatient and outpatient services in a tertiary care mental health center. Participants completed measures of mentalizing (Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and Reading the Mind in the Eyes test), attachment (Attachment Style Questionnaire), early relational trauma (Complex Trauma Questionnaire), and symptom severity (Borderline Symptom List). Results: The majority of the participants reported experiences of polyvictimization (93.3%) with the most common traumas being psychological abuse (93.3%), neglect (91.7%), and rejection (90.0%). Regression analyses revealed that uncertain reflective functioning, anxious attachment style, and the cumulative impact of trauma together predicted 53.1% of the variance in BPD symptom severity. Conclusion: Impaired mentalizing, characterized by inflexible understanding of mental states, is a critical target for therapeutic interventions in BPD. The significant role of anxious attachment and the necessity of assessing the perceived impact of traumatic experiences highlight the importance of trauma-informed and mentalization-based interventions for this vulnerable group.

Impacts of traumatic lifetime event on the likelihood of divorce

The possible pathway in which traumatic life events influence the likelihood of marriage dissolution has not been fully explored. In this study a case study of various countries were chosen to maximize the diversity. We examined the effects of various traumatic life events on the likelihood of divorce, while controlling demographic and psychological factors. We employed a mixed probit model on data collected from various countries, such as Turkey, Thailand during the period of 2015–2016. The considered variables in this study were divided into mental health, traumatic life events, and demographic characteristics along with other characteristics. Our results showed that factors such as traumatic life events, e.g., being cheated on, being emotionally or sexually abused, or being disabled, and having divorced parents are positively associated with a higher likelihood of divorce. On the other hand, factors such as better subjective life conditions, older age, and previous divorce are negatively associated with the likelihood of divorce. The results also revealed some interaction effects between different factors. The results emphasize the importance of supporting those who have undergone traumatic life events, by helping them not only with the related traumas, but also preparing them for having a successful marriage. The impacts are expected to be due to shattered assumption theory. This is one of the earliest studies to consider the impact of traumatic life events on the likelihood of divorce.

Evaluation Of The Frailty Index And Thiol-Disulphide Levels In Geriatric Orthopedic Injuries

Backround: One of the concepts recently discussed about old age is frailty. Frailty was found to be important in determining weakness and indulgence in the elderly. Frail older people are more likely to fall and experience related orthopedic trauma. Free oxygen radicals are known to cause oxidative stress in trauma patients. The aim of this study is to report the levels of frailty and thiol disulphide homeostasis and related factors in patients with geriatric orthopedic injury who presented to the emergency department.Methods: This study included 82 patients aged 65 and over who were admitted to the Emergency Department of XXX City Hospital in 2020 due to orthopedic trauma, and 38 people who presented for other reasons in a control group. FRAIL Frailty scale was used to evaluate frailty. In samples from patients' venous blood, native thiol and total thiol were analyzed.Results: The average age of the patients was78.48 ±7.86(min: 65-max: 99). Of the patients, 30.8% were in the prefrail group and56.7% were in the frail group. In patient and control group comparisons, total thiol values ​​in the patient group were significantly lower, and disulphide, ischemia-modified albumin, index 1 and index 2 values ​​were significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group. There were significantly more prefrail individuals(41.5%) among orthopedic trauma patients, and frail individuals (81.6%) in the control group. There was a significant weak negative correlation between body mass index and native thiol and total thiol values.Conclusion: Oxidative stress is increased in patients with geriatric orthopedic injuries.

E-scooter-related imaging: a new emerging high-energy trauma patient.

To quantify the volume and nature of radiological imaging performed for e-scooter related trauma presentations in a tertiary referral centre and to identify common radiological pattern of injuries. Our study received institutional review board approval. We retrospectively reviewed all anonymised radiological imaging studies performed in our institution for the term 'scooter' or 'e-scooter' between July 2020 and July 2021. The patient demographics, number of imaging studies performed and modality type as well as the nature of injuries identified were recorded. Within the study period, 147 patients with e-scooter-related injuries were referred for radiological imaging. Forty-two (29%) of those patients had positive radiological findings. The vast majority of injuries on radiographs were upper limb injuries typical of a fall on outstretched hand (FOOSH) pattern. Thirty-two patients (22%) required advanced diagnostics with CT or MRI with 11 of these patients having positive findings. Four patients suffered significant head injuries including skull fractures and/or intracranial haemorrhage. Five patients suffered facial bone fractures, and 2 suffered spinal fractures. One patient suffered a handlebar abdominal trauma with a resulting large bowel injury ultimately requiring bowel resection. E-scooter-related injuries represent a new and emerging high-energy trauma patient. These patients demonstrate injury patterns similar to other high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents. Although the most common injuries are musculoskeletal upper limb injuries typical of FOOSH, a large proportion of these require advanced diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI) which were commonly positive for significant injuries.

Trauma, Dissociation, and Relational Authenticity

Relational trauma can be understood as a psychological injury that occurs in the context of abusive interpersonal relationships and appears to be correlated with a wide array of mental illnesses. However, one potential harm of trauma that has not received much attention from philosophers is the threat it poses to authenticity. To understand why relational trauma potentially creates impediments to authentic agency, we need to consider two other phenomena that are commonly associated with it: (i) dissociation, and (ii) diminished habitual trust. Whereas trauma-related dissociation commonly involves bodily alienation and detachment from the self, diminished habitual trust often leads to alienation from others. I maintain that dissociative detachment and diminished habitual trust often are mutually reinforcing and that, together, they can cause agents to become disconnected from themselves, others, and the reality of what has happened to them. What implications does this have for authentic agency among traumatized individuals? After outlining existing conceptions, I emphasize the important sense in which authenticity is relational and scaffolded by social connections. I also discuss several competencies that undergird authenticity and argue that the interplay between dissociative detachment and attenuated habitual trust can make it difficult for traumatized individuals to develop and sustain these competencies. Thus, the trauma they have experienced impedes their ability to conduct their lives in accordance with their genuine cares and desires.

Comparison of two surgical approaches in treating children with thoracolumbar junction tuberculosis: a multicenter study

ObjectivesWe conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis to compare the clinical outcomes and complications associated with the posterior-anterior and posterior-only approaches in treating Thoracolumbar Junction (TLJ) Tuberculosis (TB) in children aged 3–10 years.MethodsHerein, 52 TLJ TB patients (age range = 3–10 years; mean age = 6.8 ± 2.2 years; females = 22; males = 30) treated with debridement, fusion, and instrumentation were recruited from two hospitals in China between May 2008 and February 2022, and their clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, 24 group A patients and 28 group B patients underwent the posterior-anterior and posterior-only approaches, respectively. The two groups were assessed for surgical time, blood loss, hospitalization duration, operative complications, inflammatory indicators, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, kyphosis angles, and neurologic functions. Results or differences with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe average follow-up period was 37.5 ± 23.3 months. Compared to group A patients, group B patients exhibited significantly lower surgical time, blood loss amount, time it took to stand, and hospitalization duration, as well as fewer complications. Notably, the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) values of patients in both groups returned to normal one year post-surgery. Furthermore, compared to the preoperative values, patients’ VAS and ODI scores, as well as neurological functions and kyphosis angles, were significantly improved postoperatively and at the final follow-up, but with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Moreover, there was no internal fixation failure or TB recurrence, and all patients exhibited solid bone fusion at the last follow-up.ConclusionFor pediatric TLJ TB involving no or at most two segments, both posterior-anterior and posterior-only approaches could effectively remove lesions and decompress the spinal cord, restore spinal stability, correct kyphosis, and prevent deformity deterioration. Nonetheless, the posterior-only approach can more effectively shorten the surgical time, reduce related trauma and complications, and promote rapid recovery, making it a safer and highly preferable minimally invasive approach.

Caring for Veterans With Depression and Cancer: An Overview for Civilian Nurse Clinicians.

Veterans put their lives on the line to serve our country, but their well-being is often threatened by multifaceted health issues related to military service, including elevated rates of lung cancer and depression. A significant percentage of Veterans have lost faith in mental health care or are unable to breach stigma-related barriers to seek and engage in this care. Veterans' lack of trust can be exacerbated by community mental health clinicians who have had little experience with Veterans and feel inadequately prepared to address their complex needs. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Google Scholar; as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Results indicated that 50% of Veterans use civilian health care and perceive that civilian nurses lack knowledge of military culture and related trauma. The current review offers civilian mental health professionals an overview of Veterans' unique issues and provides resources and practical suggestions for helping them overcome barriers to mental health care. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Effect of Motor Interference Therapy on Distress Related to Traumatic Memories: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Traumatic memories (TM) are a core feature of stress-related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Treatment is often difficult, and specific pharmacological interventions are lacking. We present a novel non-pharmacological intervention called motor interference therapy (MIT) as a promising alternative for these symptoms. To determine the feasibility of MIT, a brief, audio-delivered, and non-pharmacological intervention that uses cognitive and motor tasks to treat TM. We designed a randomized, double-blind trial. Twenty-eight participants from an outpatient clinic with at least one TM were included to receive either MIT or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Spanish versions of the PTSD symptom severity scale (EGS), visual analog scale for TM (TM-VAS), and quality of life (EQ-VAS) were applied prior to intervention, 1 week, and 1 month following intervention. Mean scores on all measures improved from baseline to posttest for both groups. MIT participants showed significantly more positive scores at 1 week and 1 month (TM-VAS baseline: 9.8±0.4; immediate: 6.0±2.0; 1 week: 3.8±3.1 [d=1.57]; 1 month 2.9±2.8 [d=1.93]) than PMR participants on measures of distress due to TM, trauma re-experiencing, anxiety, and a composite measure of PTSD. MIT is a simple, effective, and easy-to-use tool for treating TM and other stress-related symptoms. It requires relatively few resources and could be adapted to many contexts. The results provide proof-of-principle support for conducting future research with larger cohorts and controls to improve clinical effectiveness and research on brief interventions. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03627078.

Hominis Placenta modulates PTSD-like behaviors in SPSS-induced PTSD mice: Regulating energy metabolism and neuronal activity

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include re-experiencing trauma, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) and dysregulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic systems were shown during PTSD. Therefore, regulating hormonal change or glutamate energy metabolism are considered as a therapeutic approach to alleviate this condition. Herbal medicine may be effective in treating PTSD due to its ability to target multiple underlying mechanisms with various compounds. Hominis placenta (HP) is a traditional medicine widely used in East Asia for various conditions. However, the effect on PTSD has not been clarified. We aimed to investigate the effects of HP treatment in single-prolonged stress with shock (SPSS)-induced PTSD mice and explore its possible mechanisms. HP treatment at ST36 acupoints, combined with herbal medicine and acupuncture point stimulation, was applied three times/week for 2 weeks. HP treatment effectively alleviated anxiety and cognitive decline in SPSS-induced PTSD mice, as detected by Open field and the Y-maze test. Additionally, HP decreased the corticosterone levels and proinflammatory cytokines in the serum, modulated brain energy metabolism, and inhibited glutamate excitotoxicity, while regulating neuronal activity through modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, as demonstrated by western blot and immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry analyses. These findings reveal that HP treatment effectively alleviates PTSD-like behaviors by regulating energy metabolism and neuronal activity though modulation of the HPA-axis and BDNF levels in PTSD mice, indicating that HP treatment is a promising therapeutic approach for PTSD.

Continuously increasing e-scooter accidents and their possible prevention in a large European city.

During the last few years, the number of electric scooter (e-scooter) users has risen to an all-time high. This study aimed to analyze e-scooter related accidents and trauma prevention measures in a large European city (Vienna, Austria). This retrospective study comprises a thorough data assessment and analysis of all e-scooter related accidents between 2018 and 2021 at a large level 1 trauma center in Vienna. Based on the data analysis, risk factors were identified, and possible prevention strategies were proposed. During the observed period, 1337 patients sustained an injury from an e-scooter. Of these, 1230 were injured directly while driving (92%). The remaining 107 patients (8%) were classified as non-driving injuries. 927 injuries involved males (69.3%). The mean age was 32.1 years (range 4-86 years). Of all injured patients, 429 (32.1%) sustained at least one serious injury. The most common injuries included radial head fractures and concussions. Among the accidents treated, the use of protective equipment was sporadic. For example, helmets were worn in only 13.7% of cases. Wearing a helmet reduced the number of head injuries (24% versus 46.8%). In just three years, the number of patients increased 19-fold with a focus in the summer months. This study shows a substantial and sustained increase in e-scooter accidents with potentially serious injuries. Helmet use was found to be an effective form of head injury prevention. Further options for using protective equipment should be evaluated to improve the safety aspects of riding e-scooters.

"Estuvimos en una hielera": Migration trauma and detainment among newcomer Latinx adolescents.

Exposure to migration-related traumatic events may increase the risk for immediate distress upon arrival and complex trauma following resettlement. Record numbers of Latinx immigrant youth are being held in detainment facilities at the border and around the country. However, little research examines the psychological sequelae of trauma among detained youth. Through addressing these gaps, this article can inform policies and best practices that adhere to human rights and foster acculturative adjustment. This article describes community collaborative research with newcomer Latinx adolescents enrolled in public high schools. Study 1 (n = 127) used quantitative data to examine whether time in detention and trauma exposure were associated with psychosocial adjustment. Study 2 (n = 46) used qualitative data to explore the lived experiences of detainment and related trauma. Study 1 results found that over a third of participants had been detained for at least 4 weeks (36%) and nearly half the participants witnessed or experienced a traumatic event (46%). Although time in detainment was not related to internalizing or externalizing symptoms, exposure to trauma was associated with more internalizing and more externalizing symptoms. Study 2 results illustrated specific detainment-related stressors, including multiple relocations, inhumane conditions, legal concerns, and family separation, as well as complex psychological sequelae, both during detainment and after resettlement, as well as some satisfactory experiences. Results contribute new understanding of the unique experiences of immigration detainment and its psychological sequelae and can inform legal, policy, and educational practices that directly impact recently resettled Latinx youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Epidemiology of Testicular Trauma in Sports: Analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Database

BackgroundThe epidemiology of testicular trauma in sports on a national scale has not been well studied. Timely management and treatment after testicular trauma is critical to avoid serious, long-term ramifications of mismanagement. ObjectiveThe aim was to analyze trends in sports-related testicular trauma based on specific sports and patient demographic characteristics over time. MethodsThe National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for emergency department cases between 2012 and 2021 with injuries in the pubic region related to 10 commonly played sports. Variables examined included patient age, race, disposition, and sport using incidence rate, incidence rate ratios, and χ2 analysis. ResultsThere were an estimated 28,844 emergency department cases of sports-related testicular trauma between 2012 and 2021. Young patients, aged between 10 and 14 years and 15 and 19 years, accounted for most cases, and results of χ2 analysis showed a significant difference in incidence based on age group (p < 0.01). Most injuries occurred while athletes played basketball, football, and soccer (73.6%). ConclusionsSports-related testicular trauma injury rates remained steady between 2012 and 2021, which suggests greater efforts are necessary to reduce the incidence of sports-related testicular trauma. Education efforts should focus on 10- to 19-year-olds because they have the highest incidence. Given the high incidence in sports like basketball and soccer compared with football and lacrosse, testicular trauma seems to be a risk for athletes competing both recreationally and competitively.

Surviving not living: Bird Box and mothering through trauma

Bird Box is described as a post-apocalyptic horror thriller, released in 2018, which depicts the plight of a mother raising two young children in the grip of collective trauma, and the ripple effects thereof. In this article, I draw upon key theoretical constructs from the field of trauma studies including attachment and psychoanalytic theories, in relation to the protagonist of Bird Box (Malorie) and her children, to illuminate the effects of relational, collective and transgenerational trauma on mothers and their children. In particular, I apply my reflections upon features of the film to mothering in the socio-political context of Northern Ireland, and the COVID-19 pandemic, to elucidate the complexities of mothering in these contexts. I suggest that Bird Box creates a visceral experience of mothering through trauma for viewers, which enables us to think through salient questions about the needs of mothers and children, beginning to live again in the aftermath of trauma.

When the body speaks: A case discussion of bodily manifestations of introjection and identification with the aggressor

This paper provides an analysis of the patient’s somatic experiences and fantasies during the psychoanalytic psychotherapy of childhood relational trauma. Somatizations and enactments pertaining to childhood traumas are discussed as they expressed aspects of early stigmatizations, social bullying, and parental boundary violations. A central persecutory theme of impending death during the Covid pandemic is discussed as it revealed previously unspeakable persecutory fears. Obsessional somatic preoccupations and fantasies expressed the patient’s sense of inescapable condemnation and annihilation, which in turn portrayed the patient’s fear of parental homicidal wishes toward the patient. Key aspects of this treatment also concerned an analysis of self-endangerment and suicidality as a defensive process of identification with the aggressor. Somatic aspects of transference and countertransference phenomena are explored as an integral part of the analysis. A discussion of the case material with two psychoanalyst colleagues is included.

Homeless and Hospitalized: A Case Study of Intervention to Support Collaborative Behavior and Safety

ABSTRACT For unhoused patients, hospitalization is often a potentially life-altering event that evokes distress and triggers reactive behaviors that may undermine treatment and safety. Societal stigmatization, isolation, and disempowerment act to marginalize unhoused hospital patients, impacting their autonomy, sense of self-worth, and capacity for social interaction and collaboration. This article examines the ways in which Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) can be utilized to better understand unhoused patients’ behaviors as influenced by the relational violations and trauma they experience and suggests that relationally and culturally focused interventions are both reparative and necessary. A composite case study is employed to demonstrate the application of RCT to a behavioral and safety crisis and evidence opportunities for meaningful intervention. Implications for enhanced support of unhoused patients in hospitals are discussed, as is the need for continued research on the use of RCT to inform therapeutic intervention in acute care settings.

Association of childhood trauma with choice of bilateral mastectomy for the treatment of unilateral breast cancer.

e24096 Background: Patients are increasingly choosing bilateral mastectomy (BMX) for the treatment of primary breast cancer (BC) despite minimal survival benefits and potential for adverse medical and psychosocial consequences. Exposure to childhood trauma is associated with dysregulation of stress response systems, threat perception alterations, increased risk-taking behaviors, and body dissatisfaction. We examined childhood trauma in relation to treatment decision-making in adulthood within a sample of breast cancer patients undergoing either BMX or more conservative BC treatment. Methods: Secondary analyses of a case-control study of the neurobiological and affective determinants of BMX choice were conducted. Cross-sectional data from the baseline survey were analyzed. Participants were recruited via institutional clinic practices, social media, and patient advocacy groups. Patients completed a medical status questionnaire and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests examined differences in treatment decision-making by childhood trauma exposure and type. Results: The sample included 137 patients with unilateral stages 0-III BC (mean age 49.2; SD = 11.2; 76.6% White; 10.9% Hispanic/Latina; 68.6% married). Seven tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation. Patients were divided between BMX (n = 66) and non-BMX (n = 71) treatment groups. On average, patients in the non-BMX group reported higher levels of childhood trauma severity (Median = 7; IQR = 0-12.5) compared to patients in the BMX group (Median = 4; IQR = 0-11.75; Mann Whitney U = 4728; small effect size; SRD = -0.11; p = .26). Patients who reported a major parental upheaval (e.g., divorce, separation) were significantly more likely to pursue non-BMX compared to BMX (small effect size; SRD = -.16; p = .047). Patients who reported any uncategorized major upheaval were more likely to choose non-BMX than BMX (small effect size; SRD = -.14), but group differences did not reach significance (p = .093) . No other statistically significant relationships were observed. Conclusions: Contrary to hypotheses, preliminary results suggest BC patients who were exposed to traumatic events in childhood may be more likely to elect conservative BC surgical treatments. Trauma-related hypervigilance to threats may cause patients to exercise more caution regarding treatment choice. More research exploring the effects of adverse childhood experiences in the BC population is warranted. [Table: see text]

Hitting the Rewind Button: Imagining Analogue Trauma Memories in Reverse Reduces Distressing Intrusions

Abstract Background Intrusive re-experiencing of trauma is a core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder. Intrusive re-experiencing could potentially be reduced by ‘rewinding’, a new treatment approach assumed to take advantage of reconsolidation-updating by mentally replaying trauma fast-backward. Methods The present analogue study was the first to investigate ‘rewinding’ in a controlled laboratory setting. First, 115 healthy women watched a highly aversive film and were instructed to report film-related intrusions during the following week. Twenty-four hours after film-viewing, participants reporting at least one intrusion (N = 81) were randomly allocated to an intervention (fast-backward, or fast-forward as active control condition) or a passive control condition. Intervention groups reactivated their trauma memory, followed by mentally replaying the aversive film either fast-backward or fast-forward repeatedly. Results Results indicate that replaying trauma fast-backward reduced intrusion load (intrusion frequency weighted for intrusion distress) compared to the passive group, whereas replaying fast-forward did not. No above-threshold differences between fast-backward and fast-forward emerged. Conclusion Present findings strengthen the view that ‘rewinding’ could be a promising intervention to reduce intrusions.

Adoption-Informed Care: What Clinicians in the United States Need to Know

Given the prevalence of adoption in the United States, adoptive families need clinicians to be informed and aware of the unique experiences and needs of adoptive families. This study adds to our knowledge of adoption through examining the stories of adoptive parents to gain a deeper understanding of the facilitators and barriers to effective parenting, building attachment, and maintaining post-permanency continuity for their families. Results highlight specific areas that practitioners working with adoptive families should pay close attention to including (a) family systems related issues, (b) attachment and trauma related factors, and (c) grief and loss.

Role of the prefrontal cortical protease TACE/ADAM17 in neurobehavioral responses to chronic stress during adolescence.

Chronic adolescent stress profoundly affects prefrontal cortical networks regulating top-down behavior control. However, the neurobiological pathways contributing to stress-induced alterations in the brain and behavior remain largely unknown. Chronic stress influences brain growth factors and immune responses, which may, in turn, disrupt the maturation and function of prefrontal cortical networks. The tumor necrosis factor alpha-converting enzyme/a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (TACE/ADAM17) is a sheddase with essential functions in brain maturation, behavior, and inflammatory responses. This study aimed to determine the impact of stress on the prefrontal cortex and whether TACE/ADAM17 plays a role in these responses. We used a Lewis rat model that incorporates critical elements of chronic psychosocial stress, such as uncontrollability, unpredictability, lack of social support, and re-experiencing of trauma. Chronic stress during adolescence reduced the acoustic startle reflex and social interactions while increasing extracellular free water content and TACE/ADAM17 mRNA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. Chronic stress altered various ethological behavioral domains in the observation home cages (decreased ingestive behaviors and increased walking, grooming, and rearing behaviors). A group of rats was injected intracerebrally either with a novel Accell™ SMARTpool TACE/ADAM17 siRNA or a corresponding siRNA vehicle (control). The RNAscope Multiplex Fluorescent v2 Assay was used to visualize mRNA expression. Automated puncta quantification and analyses demonstrated that TACE/ADAM17 siRNA administration reduced TACE/ADAM17 mRNA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (59% reduction relative to control). We found that the rats that received prefrontal cortical TACE/ADAM17 siRNA administration exhibited altered eating patterns (e.g., increased food intake and time in the feeding zone during the light cycle). This study supports that the prefrontal cortex is sensitive to adolescent chronic stress and suggests that TACE/ADAM17 may be involved in the brain responses to stress.