Linking the Relationship Between Childhood Interpersonal Trauma and Auditory Hallucinations: Considerations for Assessment, Conceptualization, and Treatment
Abstract A growing body of research has demonstrated a strong relationship between childhood interpersonal trauma and development of auditory hallucinations in children, adolescents, and adults. Several factors may influence whether an individual will experience auditory hallucinations after exposure to childhood interpersonal traumatic events, including the type of trauma exposure such as childhood sexual abuse or neglect, and biopsychosocial factors such as genetics or the environment. Additionally, the content of auditory hallucinations may include thematic representations of childhood interpersonal trauma. Auditory hallucinations may be perceived as commanding, threatening, and cause fear in individuals who experience them. Research suggests that dissociation may mediate the link between childhood interpersonal traumatic experiences and auditory hallucinations. Further, auditory hallucinations may be transdiagnostic when considering exposure to childhood interpersonal trauma. Childhood interpersonal trauma appears to be a risk factor for auditory hallucinations within the context of mental health; however, there is a significant gap in our current diagnostic information and research, which is problematic for assessment, treatment planning, and treatment for individuals who have experienced childhood interpersonal trauma. Including a psychotic symptom subtype of PTSD specifying auditory hallucinations within the DSM system may aid in filling this gap. The complex relationship between childhood interpersonal trauma and auditory hallucinations posits several implications for clinicians, considerations for treatment, and future research to best serve adults, children, and adolescents experiencing this symptom.
childhood interpersonal trauma auditory hallucinations assessment, Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Social and Behavioral Sciences
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