Association between child abuse exposure and the risk of psychiatric disorders: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Der-Shiun; Chung, Chi-Hsiang; Chang, Hsin-An; Kao, Yu-Chen; Chu, Der-Ming; Wang, Chih-Chien; Chen, Shyi-Jou; Tzeng, Nian-Sheng; Chien, Wu-Chien
• Is Part Of: Child abuse & neglect. Volume 101(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Child abuse -- Psychiatric disorder -- Taiwan -- Substance abuse; Child abuse -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104362
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-2134

Abstract

Highlights: Childhood abuse experiences affect children physiologically and psychologically psychiatric disorder risk was significantly higher in victims of child abuse Those caring for abused children should be aware of their risk of psychiatric disorder Abstract: Background: Child abuse affects children physiologically and psychologically, increasing the risk of future psychiatric disorders. Objective: To assess whether child abuse victims have a higher incidence of future psychiatric disorders or substance abuse. Participants and Setting: The participants consisted of a nationwide, population-based cohort selected in accordance with the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. All children were enrolled between 2000 and 2015. Methods: This was a retrospective study with a matched-cohort design. Children who experienced child abuse were identified using International Classification of Disease codes and compared with children who had not experienced child abuse by measuring rates of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, sleep disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder/acute stress disorder, eating disorders, substance-related disorders (alcohol use disorder and illicit drug use disorder), psychotic disorders, and organic mental disorders. Results: The psychiatric disorder risk was significantly higher in victims of child abuse than in controls (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.15; 95 % confidence interval, 1.92–2.40; P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly higher 15-year cumulative incidence of psychiatric disorders among child abuse victims than among controls (394.57 vs. 317.56 events per 100, 000 person-years; log-rank test, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In Taiwan, child abuse is associated with increased psychiatric disorder and substance abuse risk. Individuals involved in caring for abused children, including family members, pediatricians, nurses, and social workers, as well as policy makers, should be aware of this risk. Early referral of child abuse victims to pediatric psychiatrists may help detect high-risk cases and facilitate early intervention.