Root problem: Link found between childhood trauma and schizophrenia - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Root problem: Link found between childhood trauma and schizophrenia

Asian News International | ByAsian News International, Washington D.c.
Mar 12, 2018 03:38 PM IST

The study’s strongest finding was that hallucinations in those with psychotic disorders were associated with all types of childhood trauma.

Researchers from Orygen, the National Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health; the University of Melbourne; Port Phillip Prison and University Hospital of Gran Canaria, Dr Negrin, Spain, have shown that childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse are associated with severe hallucinations in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

The study’s strongest finding was that hallucinations in those with psychotic disorders were associated with all types of childhood trauma.(Shutterstock)
The study’s strongest finding was that hallucinations in those with psychotic disorders were associated with all types of childhood trauma.(Shutterstock)

The study’s strongest finding was that hallucinations in those with psychotic disorders were associated with all types of childhood trauma, said Dr Sarah Bendall, the study’s lead author.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“This means there’s something about childhood trauma that leads some people to develop hallucinations,” Dr Bendall said.

The meta-analysis, which analysed 29 studies on childhood trauma and psychotic symptoms, also found that childhood sexual abuse was associated with delusions. The study provides the missing link for clinicians who have long theorised about the association between childhood trauma and hallucinations and delusions.

Dr Bendall said providing this evidence was a crucial first step in developing tailored, sensitive and effective treatments for trauma-based psychotic symptoms. Around one in every 100 people will experience a psychotic disorder in their lives, with the majority developing symptoms at 18-25 years old. Psychotic symptoms can include detachment from reality, hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking and lack of motivation or emotion.

Until now, treatments for trauma in psychosis have focused on post-traumatic stress disorder rather than specific symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Dr Bendall said the new research would not only help refine treatments for patients with psychotic disorders but may also help to empower young patients.

“When young people come to youth mental health services, we should be assessing for trauma and for emerging psychotic symptoms, and treating them as soon as they emerge,” Dr Bendall said.

“We can also arm young people with some of this research knowledge and then they can make decisions about the factors that may have caused their psychosis to develop or continue. It’s a very empowering thing to be able to give people that information.”

The study was published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On