Childhood Maltreatment and Somatic Symptoms in Adulthood: Establishing a New Research Pathway.
Journal: Neuropsychobiology
Volume:
Issue:
Year of Publication:
Affiliated Institutions:
Department of Adult Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Graduate School of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lima, Peru.
Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clínic, Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro), Barcelona, Spain.
Department of Psychology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Faculty of Business, Technology, and Education, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Suna Kıraç Library, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.
Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands.
Department of Neuroscience, University of Caen, Caen, France.
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Department of Psychology and Social Work, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden.
Abstract summary
Somatic symptoms, such as chronic pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, are commonly reported in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment (CM), which includes various forms of abuse and neglect experienced before age 18. Although CM is strongly associated with somatic symptoms, the specific relationships between CM subtypes and these symptoms, as well as the mechanisms connecting them, remain insufficiently understood. This review examines the complex interaction between CM and somatic symptoms, which often coexist with mental disorders and significantly impact quality of life and healthcare systems.Somatic symptoms, frequently a mix of "explained" and "unexplained" conditions, are associated with personal distress and pose diagnostic challenges. CM has been linked to these symptoms through neurobiological mechanisms, such as HPA axis dysregulation and allostatic load, while theoretical models emphasize the roles of hyperawareness, cultural factors, and vulnerability in symptom development. However, existing research often fails to account for specific CM subtypes, the full range of somatic symptoms, and cultural and situational factors, leading to inconsistencies in findings.Bridging gaps in literature requires adopting the World Health Organization's CM subtype definitions and ICD-11 codes (MA00-MH2Y) to encompass a broader spectrum of somatic symptoms. Employing rigorous methodologies, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, is essential for advancing understanding. These approaches can enhance diagnostic accuracy, support tailored interventions, and promote a biopsychosocial framework for CM research, ultimately improving patient outcomes and alleviating societal burdens.
Authors & Co-authors:
Lüönd Antonia M AM
Ayas Görkem G
Bachem Rahel R
Carranza-Neira Julia J
Eberle David J DJ
Fares-Otero Natalia E NE
Hashim Mohammad M
Iqbal Naved N
Jenkins Dan D
Kamari Songhorabadi Saman S
Ledermann Katharina K
Makhashvili Nino N
Martin-Soelch Chantal C
Nebioğlu Ertaç E
Oe Misari M
Olayinka Juliet N JN
Olff Miranda M
Picot Laura L
Seedat Soraya S
Tandon Tanya T
Wadji Dany L DL
Womersley Jacqueline S JS
Schnyder Ulrich U
Sar Vedat V
Pfaltz Monique C MC
Ceylan Deniz D
Study Outcome
Source Link: Visit source