Jasmine Rafferty  

This study provides new evidence-based knowledge about the links between exposure to various types of traumatic experiences and the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Early childhood trauma is directly linked to underdeveloped emotional intelligence in adults and can lead to a myriad of mental health diagnoses and poor choices in adulthood. Researchers discovered that experiences of natural disasters, serious accidents at home, work, or during recreational activity, childhood physical abuse, other unwanted sexual experiences, and poly-traumatization distinguished the risk for PTSD and CPTSD. The experiences of natural disasters and serious accidents experienced at work, at home, or during recreational activity were associated with an elevated risk for PTSD. However, childhood physical abuse, other unwanted sexual experience, and poly-traumatization were related to the increased CPTSD risk. Whereas experiences of sexual abuse in childhood or adulthood were linked with an elevated risk for both PTSD and CPTSD. The exploration of PTSD and CPTSD risk factors is essential for better recognition of these disorders. Since trauma exposure is a crucial component for diagnosing PTSD and CPTSD, it is important to determine if different types of traumatic events might help distinguish PTSD and CPTSD.  

This study has received funding from the European Social Fund (project no 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0048) under a grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT). 

Dr. Jason Schiffman describes the Strive for Wellness (SFW) CHR-P clinic in Maryland, a state/university partnership embedded within the Maryland Early Intervention Program. Evolving from an outreach assessment and research clinic, with the support of the SAMHSA CHRP grant, SFW has grown to include psychosocial and psycho-pharmacological care. Taking an evidence-based, youth-family-driven, and flexible approach to care, the SFW model uses a strengths-based approach when partnering with clients to reach their stated goals in treatment. This recording describes: 1) their research, 2) their recruitment strategies, 3) their staffing model, and 4) their modular treatment approach. They will also describe and provide resources that may be useful for CHR and first-episode programs, and discuss opportunities for their team to collaborate with other CHRP sites. Funded by SAMHSA.  

This webinar is a part of the Clinical High Risk & Early Psychosis Learning Community via Ideas@TheInstitute!