Compromised cognitive, emotional function
Commenting on the findings for this news organization, Elaine F. Walker, PhD, professor of psychology and neuroscience at Emory University in Atlanta, said stress exposure in general, including childhood trauma, “has transdiagnostic effects on vulnerability to mental disorders.”
“The effects are primarily mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which triggers the release of cortisol. When persistently elevated, this can result in neurobiological processes that have adverse effects on brain structure and circuitry which, in turn, compromises cognitive and emotional functioning,” said Dr. Walker, who was not associated with the study.
She noted that, “while it is possible that there are sex differences in biological sensitivity to certain subtypes of childhood trauma, it may also be the case that sex differences in the likelihood of exposure to trauma subtypes is actually the key factor.”
“At the present time, there are not specific treatment protocols aimed at addressing childhood trauma subtypes, but most experienced therapists will incorporate information about the individual’s trauma history in their treatment,” Dr. Walker added.
Also commenting on the research, Philip Gorwood, MD, PhD, head of the Clinique des Maladies Mentales et de l’Encéphale at Centre Hospitalier Sainte Anne in Paris, said the results are “important … as childhood trauma has been clearly recognized as a major risk factor for the vast majority of psychiatric disorders, but with poor knowledge of gender specificities.”
“Understanding which aspects of trauma are more damaging according to gender will facilitate research on the resilience process. Many intervention strategies will indeed benefit from a more personalized approach,” he said in a statement. Dr. Gorwood was not involved with this study.
The study authors, Dr. Gorwood, and Dr. Walker report no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.