Jessica Arenella, Ph.D.

Children who experienced mal-treatment by an adult (relative risk=3.16, 95% CI=1.92-5.19) or bullying by peers (relative risk=2.47, 95% CI=1.74−3.52) were more likely to report psychotic symptoms at age 12 than were children who did not experience such traumatic events. The higher risk for psychotic symptoms was observed whether these events occurred early in life or later in childhood. The risk associated with childhood trauma remained significant in analyses controlling for children's gender, socioeconomic deprivation, and IQ; for children's early symptoms of internalizing or externalizing problems; and for children's genetic liability to developing psychosis. In contrast, the risk associated with accidents was small (relative risk=1.47, 95% CI=1.02−2.13) and inconsistent across ages. Conclusions: Trauma characterized by intention to harm is associated with children's reports of psychotic symptoms. Clinicians working with children who report early symptoms of psychosis should inquire about traumatic events such as maltreatment and bullying.

Childhood abuse associated with onset of psychosis in women

(February 2010). American Psychologist
Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy.  Effect sizes for
psychodynamic psychotherapy are as large as those reported for other therapies that have been actively promoted as “empirically supported” and “evidence based.”  Additionally, patients who receive psychodynamic therapy maintain therapeutic gains and appear to continue to improve after treatment ends.  Finally, non-psychodynamic therapies may be effective in part because the more skilled practitioners utilize techniques that have long been central to psychodynamic theory and practice.  The perception that psychodynamic approaches lack empirical support does not accord with available scientific evidence and may reflect selective dissemination of research findings.

June 24, 2009

For the first time, cellular biological markers could be associated with
response to psychotherapy.

September, 2008
Long-term psychotherapy is effective at treating complex mental disorders, German researchers reported on Tuesday in a finding that offers rare evidence that this type of treatment works.

Child sexual abuse involving penetration is a risk factor for developing psychotic and schizophrenic syndromes.The risk is greater for adolescents subjected to penetration.Irrespective of whether this statistical association reflects any causal link, it does identify an at-risk population in needof ongoing support and treatment.

Black men are over-diagnosed with schizophrenia at least five times higher than any other group—a trend that dates back to the 1960s, according to new University of Michigan research.