Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Adverse Childhood Events Impact Outcomes for People with Schizophrenia Disorders

A new research study published in the journal "Psychiatric Services" suggests that for people who suffer from schizophrenia (and related disorders) increased exposure to adverse childhood events are strongly related to psychiatric problems (suicidal thinking, hospitalizations, distress, and posttraumatic stress disorder), substance abuse, physical health problems (HIV infection), medical service utilization (physician visits), and poor social functioning (homelessness or criminal justice involvement).

In this research study "adverse childhood events" included physical abuse, sexual abuse, parental mental illnesses, loss of a parent, parental separation or divorce, witnessing domestic violence, and foster or kinship care.

The researchers conclude by saying that the findings extend the results of research in the general population by suggesting that childhood adversity contributes to worse mental health, substance abuse, worse physical health, and poor functional outcomes in schizophrenia.

Read more about the study here