Abstract
The current article reviews recent research demonstrating the relationship between childhood physical and sexual abuse and adult health problems. Adult survivors of childhood abuse have more health problems and more painful symptoms. We have found that psychiatric disorders account for some, but not all, of these symptoms, and that current life stress doubles the effect of childhood abuse on health problems. Possible etiologic factors in survivors' health problems include abuse-related alterations in brain functioning that can increase vulnerability to stress and decrease immune function. Adult survivors are also more likely to participate in risky behaviors that undermine health or to have cognitions and beliefs that amplify health problems. Psychiatric disorders, although not the primary cause of difficulties, do have a role in exacerbating health and pain-related problems. We conclude by outlining treatment recommendations for abuse survivors in health care settings.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 170-188 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Journal of Trauma and Dissociation |
| Volume | 10 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 26 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Child abuse
- Health psychiatric disorders
- Stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
Cite this
A review of childhood abuse, health, and pain-related problems : The role of psychiatric disorders and current life stress. / Sachs-Ericsson, Natalie; Timpano, Kiara R; Hernandez, Annya; Kendall-Tackett, Kathleen.
In: Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, Vol. 10, No. 2, 26.11.2009, p. 170-188.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - A review of childhood abuse, health, and pain-related problems
T2 - The role of psychiatric disorders and current life stress
AU - Sachs-Ericsson, Natalie
AU - Timpano, Kiara R
AU - Hernandez, Annya
AU - Kendall-Tackett, Kathleen
PY - 2009/11/26
Y1 - 2009/11/26
N2 - The current article reviews recent research demonstrating the relationship between childhood physical and sexual abuse and adult health problems. Adult survivors of childhood abuse have more health problems and more painful symptoms. We have found that psychiatric disorders account for some, but not all, of these symptoms, and that current life stress doubles the effect of childhood abuse on health problems. Possible etiologic factors in survivors' health problems include abuse-related alterations in brain functioning that can increase vulnerability to stress and decrease immune function. Adult survivors are also more likely to participate in risky behaviors that undermine health or to have cognitions and beliefs that amplify health problems. Psychiatric disorders, although not the primary cause of difficulties, do have a role in exacerbating health and pain-related problems. We conclude by outlining treatment recommendations for abuse survivors in health care settings.
AB - The current article reviews recent research demonstrating the relationship between childhood physical and sexual abuse and adult health problems. Adult survivors of childhood abuse have more health problems and more painful symptoms. We have found that psychiatric disorders account for some, but not all, of these symptoms, and that current life stress doubles the effect of childhood abuse on health problems. Possible etiologic factors in survivors' health problems include abuse-related alterations in brain functioning that can increase vulnerability to stress and decrease immune function. Adult survivors are also more likely to participate in risky behaviors that undermine health or to have cognitions and beliefs that amplify health problems. Psychiatric disorders, although not the primary cause of difficulties, do have a role in exacerbating health and pain-related problems. We conclude by outlining treatment recommendations for abuse survivors in health care settings.
KW - Child abuse
KW - Health psychiatric disorders
KW - Stress
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=68549115396&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=68549115396&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/15299730802624585
DO - 10.1080/15299730802624585
M3 - Review article
C2 - 19333847
AN - SCOPUS:68549115396
VL - 10
SP - 170
EP - 188
JO - Journal of Trauma and Dissociation
JF - Journal of Trauma and Dissociation
SN - 1529-9732
IS - 2
ER -