Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex-PTSD, moral injury and perceived social support: A latent class analysis

Background Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including childhood abuse and neglect, are consistently linked to poorer mental health and psychosocial outcomes in adulthood. Complex-posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and moral injury are two conditions which can cause significant distress and functional impairment in individuals affected by trauma. However, not much is known about the complex relationships between ACEs, C-PTSD and moral injury. Furthermore, while perceived social support is a commonly cited protective factor for C-PTSD, there is little understanding about how it relates to ACEs in traumatised populations. The aim of this study was to investigate ACEs in a trauma-affected sample of UK military veterans using latent class analysis. Secondly, the study tested for associations between latent classes of ACEs, severity of C-PTSD and moral injury, and levels of perceived social support. Method Data was collected from a UK military veterans mental health charity, from a clinical sample (N = 336) who were receiving treatment for mental health difficulties. Participants completed standardised measures of ACEs, C-PTSD, moral injury, and perceived social support. Data was analysed using a bias-adjusted 3-step approach latent class analysis. Wald statistics were used to test for associations between classes of ACEs and C-PTSD, moral injury and perceived social support. Findings A two-class model was found to be the best fit for the data, which depicted two classes of ACEs within the sample. The classes showed a distinction between a group of participants who were more likely to endorse experiencing high levels of ACEs, and a separate group who endorsed relatively lower levels of ACEs. As such, the model was interpreted as depicting a low-ACEs (class 1) vs. high-ACEs (class 2) distinction. 56 % of participants fell into class 1 (low ACEs) with 44 % in class 2 (high ACEs). Participants in class 2 (high ACEs) were significantly more likely to score highly for symptoms of C-PTSD and moral injury, and to report lower levels of perceived social support. Conclusion The present study is the first to report a two-class model of low vs high-ACEs in a clinical sample of UK military veterans. It also describes how membership of the high-ACEs class was significantly associated with higher scores for key mental health and psychosocial variables in C-PTSD, moral injury and perceived social support. The findings have important clinical implications in highlighting the possible role of ACEs in understanding the aetiology of psychopathology in military populations affected by trauma. It also adds to the growing literature which demonstrates how many military personnel experience significant levels of pre-existing trauma and adversity before entering service, and how this can contribute to the development of complex mental health outcomes in adulthood

Juvenile-onset and adult-onset demodicosis in dogs in the UK: prevalence and breed associations

Objectives To explore epidemiological features of demodicosis relevant to UK veterinary general practitioners. Breed risk factors were proposed as distinct between juvenile‐onset and adult‐onset disease. Materials and Methods The study used anonymised clinical data on dogs under primary veterinary care at practices enrolled in the UK VetCompass Programme. Case inclusion required recording of a final demodicosis diagnosis for a dermatological condition that was present during the 2013 study period. Risk factor analysis used multivariable logistic regression modelling. Results In dogs aged 4 years (adult‐onset), the 1‐year period prevalence was 0.05% (95% confidence interval: 0.0.04 to 0.06). Six breeds showed increased odds of demodicosis compared with crossbred dogs: Chinese shar‐pei, shih‐tzu, West Highland white terrier, pug, boxer and Border terrier. Clinical Significance Juvenile‐onset demodicosis is much more common (about 10 times higher) than the adult‐onset form. Knowledge of the predisposed breeds for these two presentations can assist with diagnosis and support the concept of distinct aetiopathogenetic phenotypes

Exploring staff experiences of formulation processes in a secure children’s home

Purpose This study aims to explore experiences of the Framework for Integrated Care's team formulation process within a secure children’s home in northern England, from the perspective of care and education staff. Design/methodology/approach Four focus groups were facilitated, with a total of 25 participants. The focus groups discussed a number of key areas, including: staff experiences of team formulation; the usefulness of the process; the wider impact of the process; and ways the formulation process could be developed. The data set was analysed using Rapid Qualitative Analysis (Hamilton, 2013). Findings Six overarching themes and a number of accompanying subthemes were developed. The six themes were: (i) new ways of understanding; (ii) enabling communication; (iii) young person should be at the centre; (iv) practical considerations; (v) developing accessibility: a systemic lens; and (vi) developing the focus. Practical implications Ten implications for practice within secure children’s homes and wider establishments are outlined. These relate to various aspects of the formulation process, including the preparatory work, meeting attendance, the focus of the formulation and dissemination. Originality/value Research within the context of secure children’s homes is expanding and has included the direct involvement of young people. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study utilising a qualitative, focus group method to consider the experiences of team formulation from the perspective of the wider care and education staff team in a secure children’s home

A Scoping Review of the Role of Sensory and Narrative Processes in the Wellbeing and Belonging of Young Refugees

Previous research has highlighted the potential value of narrative therapeutic approaches and multisensory engagement with child and adolescent refugees. A scoping review was conducted to explore the role of narrative and sensory processes in young refugees’ sense of belonging, social integration and wellbeing. Database searching identified 307 records, of which 15 were included in the final review. Thematic analysis of the synthesised data found 11 sub-themes and 4 overarching themes relating to the ways in which narrative and sensory approaches support refugee wellbeing and belonging: (1) positive and reparative social connections, (2) connections to cultural identity, (3) wellbeing and communication, and (4) youth empowerment. Narrative and sensory approaches may promote wellbeing, identity development and positive connections to new host cultures and communities for refugee youth and so may be usefully integrated into future therapeutic interventions across clinical, educational and social care settings. Future research should explore the individual experience of child identity and belonging, specifically amongst younger refugee groups

Cumulative risk exposure is associated with increased risk for PTSD but not depression or anxiety. Results from a UK clinical sample of children and adolescents

Background Childhood adversity can include traumatic experiences and exposure to other risk factors; consistently predicting poorer psychosocial outcomes in adulthood. Relatively little research has investigated the impact of cumulative risk exposure in childhood. Using data collected in a specialist clinical setting, we investigated the associations between risk exposure, psychopathology and psychosocial functioning. Method Participants were children attending the Attachment and Trauma service at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London (N = 132, M = 10.25, SD = 3.35). Data was collected via routine clinical practice during multi-disciplinary assessments. Data was collected on developmental and trauma history, psychopathology, and functioning (CGAS), using standardised measures, clinical interviews, and observations. Results All children had experienced at least one risk factor, with 78% reporting multiple exposures, including witnessing interpersonal violence (52%), neglect (48%), and physical abuse (42%). Other risk exposures included exposure to alcohol (17%) and substances (24%) in-utero, as well as social risk factors such as multiple foster placements in some cases. In this sample, 65% of children met criteria for at least one psychiatric diagnosis (Anxiety = 31%, PTSD = 28%, Depression = 8%). High levels of functional impairment were found, with 52% of children falling into the highest categories of ‘obvious’ or ‘severe’ problems. Multiple risk exposure significantly predicted PTSD (OR 9.64 (1.1, 83.7)), but did not predict anxiety, depression, or functional impairment. Conclusion This study highlights the rates of cumulative risk exposure in this clinical sample. The findings demonstrate the importance of detailed and accurate clinical assessments in ascertaining trauma histories in children with known histories of adversity and maltreatment. There are implications for assessment and treatment, such as the importance of clear guidelines on treating PTSD in children with complex trauma histories

Mindfulness, Compassion, and Self-Compassion as Moderator of Environmental Support on Competency in Mental Health Nursing

Abstract: This research explored the established relationship between environmental support and competency for Mental Health Nurses, intending to investigate whether the tendency to display higher levels of mindfulness, compassion, and self-compassion might buffer the effect of a poor environment on competency. One questionnaire was comprised of five pre-developed questionnaires, which included all items examining environmental support, competency, mindfulness, compassion, and self-compassion. Mental Health Nurses (n = 103) were recruited from online forums and social media group pages in the UK. The result showed environmental support related positively to competency. Furthermore, the positive relationship of competency with environmental support was moderated when controlling for compassion but did not with mindfulness and self-compassion, although subscales showed some further interactions. When poor environmental support influences the competency of mental health professionals, compassion and mindfulness-based interactions may have the potential to uphold competency

Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Clinical Sample of U.K. Military Veterans

Objective: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are consistently linked with poorer psychosocial and mental health outcomes, including in military veterans. Military veterans are an at-risk group because of the combined risk factors of ACEs and being more likely to experience high stress and trauma in adulthood. This study aimed to report rates of self-reported ACEs in a clinical sample of U.K. military veterans, and to test for associations between high levels of ACEs and psychosocial variables. Method: Participants were a clinical sample of military veterans who were seeking treatment for mental health issues at a U.K. veterans mental health charity. Participants completed surveys relating to their experiences of ACEs and their current mental health and well-being. Associations were tested using regression analyses. Results: A high proportion (35%) reported a high-risk level of 4+ ACEs. Higher ACE scores, and reporting 4+ ACEs were not associated with any specific mental health outcomes, but were associated with having low levels of perceived social support (OR = 0.2000, 95% CI [0.083, 0.482]). Conclusions: Military veterans are at high risk for experiencing multiple ACEs which may leave them more likely to develop to mental health difficulties in adulthood. Additionally, those with high ACEs may require additional help in accessing social support as this is a key risk/protective factor in mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder

A narrative review of childhood neglect and its association with eating disorders

Childhood neglect’s intricate relationship with eating disorders (EDs) is a topic of growing significance. This review consolidates findings from 16 studies of varying designs to investigate the relationship between neglect and ED development. This narrative review explored the differential impacts of neglect types on distinct types of EDs. A literature search was conducted on Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED), in relation to physical neglect (PN) and emotional neglect (EN). Sixteen papers met inclusion criteria and were included in this narrative review. Bias and quality were assessed using the Quality Assurance Checklist. Findings suggested that AN was associated most frequently with PN, affecting women more profoundly. This relationship may stem from PN’s role in early deprivation and malnourishment, commonly associated with AN. EN, on the other hand, was more frequently associated with BN. Studies suggested that EN contributes to the development of BN via processes that contribute to emotional dysregulation. Findings relating to BED were more complex, with both PN and EN influencing various cases. Some studies indicated that food addiction, primarily associated with PN, may result from neglectful parenting, leading to emotional eating. Conversely, EN emerged as a significant factor among clinically obese (according to BMI standards) BED patients, affecting their ability to manage emotions. Limitations amongst studies relating to BED included focusing on a subset of clinically obese/bariatric patients and poor tracking of subjects for longitudinal studies. Future research avenues should focus on causality, factors exacerbating these relationships, and the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions. There is a need for comprehensive research, especially among natal males, to unveil the complex dynamics between childhood neglect and EDs. A clearer understanding of these relationships can empower stakeholders and clinicians to formulate effective prevention and intervention strategies, ultimately improving the well-being of individuals with EDs