Intra- and extra-familial adverse childhood experiences and a history of childhood psychosomatic disorders among Japanese university students.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Japan has been witnessing a considerable increase in the number of children with psychosomatic disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the risk of psychosomatic disorder in adolescents and intra- and extra-familial adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study of 1592 Japanese university students (52% male, mean age 19.9 years) who completed a survey about intra- and extra-familial ACEs and the incidence of childhood psychosomatic disorders. Intra-familial ACEs included domestic violence, physical violence, emotional abuse, illness in household, parental divorce, no parental affection, and dysfunctional family. Extra-familial ACEs included physical violence or negative recognition by teachers, being bullied in elementary or junior high school, or sexual violence.

RESULTS:

The frequency of psychosomatic disorders among the respondents was 14.8%. Among the 7 intra-familial ACEs, emotional abuse (relative risk, RR = 1.9) and illness in household (RR = 1.7) increased the risk of psychosomatic disorders. Estimates of the relative risk for the 5 extra-familial ACEs were statistically significant and ranged from 1.5 for being bullied in elementary school or physical violence from teachers to 2.4. Students who had 3 or more intra-familial ACEs and 2 or more extra-familial ACEs had a 3.0 relative risk for psychosomatic disorder.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that intra- and extra-familial ACEs are associated with the development of psychosomatic disorders. Therefore, sufficient evaluation of ACEs should be performed in adolescent patients with psychosomatic disorder.

• Authors: Akinori Masuda, Takao Yamanaka, Tadatoshi Hirakawa, Yasuyuki Koga, Ryosuke Minomo, Takao Munemoto, Chuwa Tei
• Journal: BioPsychoSocial medicine (Biopsychosoc Med) Vol. 1 Pg. 9 (Apr 02 2007) ISSN: 1751-0759 [Print] England
• PMID: 17407551 (Publication Type: Journal Article)