The relationship between coping and subclinical psychotic experiences in adolescents from the general population – a longitudinal study

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 2535-2546 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lin ◽  
J. T. W. Wigman ◽  
B. Nelson ◽  
W. A. M. Vollebergh ◽  
J. van Os ◽  
...  

BackgroundSubclinical psychotic experiences during adolescence may represent liability for developing psychotic disorder. Both coping style and the degree of persistence of psychotic experiences may play a role in the progression to clinical psychotic disorder, but little is known about the causal relationship between the two.MethodPath modelling was used to examine longitudinal relationships between subclinical positive psychotic experiences and three styles of coping (task-, emotion- and avoidance-oriented) in an adolescent general population sample (n=813) assessed three times in 3 years. Distinct developmental trajectories of psychotic experiences, identified with growth mixture modelling, were compared on the use of these coping styles.ResultsOver time, emotion-oriented coping in general was bi-directionally related to psychotic experiences. No meaningful results were found for task- or avoidance-oriented coping. Females reported using a wider range of coping styles than males, but the paths between coping and psychotic experiences did not differ by gender. Persistence of psychotic experiences was associated with a greater use of emotion-oriented coping, whereas a decrease in experiences over time was associated with an increased use of task-orientated coping.ConclusionsEmotion-oriented coping is the most important coping style in relation to psychotic experiences, as it may contribute to a ‘vicious cycle’ and is associated with persistence of experiences. In addition, more task-oriented coping may result in a decrease in psychotic experiences. Results suggest that opportunities for intervention may already be present at the level of subclinical psychosis.

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S86-S86
Author(s):  
Stanley Zammit ◽  
Jon Heron ◽  
Alexandros Rammos ◽  
Hannah Jones ◽  
Daphne Kounali ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Given the global burden of disease of psychotic disorders and the promise of benefit from early intervention, there is an imperative to understand the developmental trajectories from onset of psychotic experiences to clinical disorder and to improve identification of individuals at greatest risk. The aims of this study therefore were: 1) to describe, for the first time, the change in incidence of psychotic experiences in the general population from childhood through early adulthood; 2) to describe the prevalence and burden of unmet clinical need of at-risk mental states and psychotic disorder among young adults in the general population; 3) to examine the predictive ability of both self-reported and interviewer-rated measures of psychotic experiences during childhood and adolescence in identifying psychotic disorder by early adulthood; and 4) to describe longitudinal profiles of psychotic experiences from childhood through early adulthood and investigate a comprehensive range of childhood determinants of symptom persistence. Methods We used data from the ALSPAC birth cohort study. Psychotic experiences and disorder were assessed using semi-structured interviews at ages 12, 18, and 24 (N=7,900 with any data). Incidence rates were estimated using flexible parametric modeling, and positive predictive values (PPVs), sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were estimated for prediction. Longitudinal profiles were constructed based on interviewer ratings and frequency of experiences, with profiles describing no experiences (62.5%), episodic experiences (26.5%), persistent/recurrent low frequency (9.1%), and persistent/recurrent high frequency (1.9%) groups. Multinomial regression was used to examine risk factors for persistence, covering socio-demographic, genetic, behavioural, cognitive, and psychological characteristics during childhood. Results The incidence rate of psychotic experiences increased between ages 12 and 24, peaking during late adolescence. A total of 109 individuals (2.8%) met criteria for a psychotic disorder up to age 24, of whom 70% had sought professional help. Prediction of current psychotic disorder at age 24 (N=47, 1.2%), by both self-report and interviewer-rated measures of psychotic experiences at age 18 (PPVs, 2.9% and 10.0%, respectively), was improved by incorporating information on frequency and distress (PPVs, 13.3% and 20.0%, respectively), although sensitivities were low. The PPV of an at-risk mental state at age 18 predicting incident disorder at ages 18–24 was 21.1% (95%CI 6.1, 45.6), and the sensitivity was 14.3% (95%CI 4.0, 32.7). Longitudinal profile analysis showed that persistence was highest in those with higher levels of emotional instability and borderline personality traits in childhood, whilst persistence was strongly related to concurrent and increasing levels of social isolation, anxiety, self-harm, and substance use over time. Discussion Our study results show a peak in incidence of psychotic experience during late adolescence just prior to the peak incidence rate for schizophrenia, and an unmet need for care in young people with psychotic disorders. Although we show the potential efficiency of self-report measures for prediction, because of the low sensitivity, targeting individuals in non-help-seeking samples based only on more severe symptom cutoff thresholds will likely have little impact on population levels of first-episode psychosis. The primary characteristics indexing whether psychotic experiences are likely to persist over time is the presence of emotion regulation difficulties in childhood, providing evidence of a potentially modifiable target for prevention.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Richard Pender ◽  
Pasco Fearon ◽  
Beate St Pourcain ◽  
Jon Heron ◽  
Will Mandy

Abstract Background Autistic people show diverse trajectories of autistic traits over time, a phenomenon labelled ‘chronogeneity’. For example, some show a decrease in symptoms, whilst others experience an intensification of difficulties. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a dimensional condition, representing one end of a trait continuum that extends throughout the population. To date, no studies have investigated chronogeneity across the full range of autistic traits. We investigated the nature and clinical significance of autism trait chronogeneity in a large, general population sample. Methods Autistic social/communication traits (ASTs) were measured in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children using the Social and Communication Disorders Checklist (SCDC) at ages 7, 10, 13 and 16 (N = 9744). We used Growth Mixture Modelling (GMM) to identify groups defined by their AST trajectories. Measures of ASD diagnosis, sex, IQ and mental health (internalising and externalising) were used to investigate external validity of the derived trajectory groups. Results The selected GMM model identified four AST trajectory groups: (i) Persistent High (2.3% of sample), (ii) Persistent Low (83.5%), (iii) Increasing (7.3%) and (iv) Decreasing (6.9%) trajectories. The Increasing group, in which females were a slight majority (53.2%), showed dramatic increases in SCDC scores during adolescence, accompanied by escalating internalising and externalising difficulties. Two-thirds (63.6%) of the Decreasing group were male. Conclusions Clinicians should note that for some young people autism-trait-like social difficulties first emerge during adolescence accompanied by problems with mood, anxiety, conduct and attention. A converse, majority-male group shows decreasing social difficulties during adolescence.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (11) ◽  
pp. 1799-1809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Reininghaus ◽  
Christian Rauschenberg ◽  
Margreet ten Have ◽  
Ron de Graaf ◽  
Saskia van Dorsselaer ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe jumping to conclusions (JTC) reasoning bias and decreased working memory performance (WMP) are associated with psychosis, but associations with affective disturbances (i.e. depression, anxiety, mania) remain inconclusive. Recent findings also suggest a transdiagnostic phenotype of co-occurring affective disturbances and psychotic experiences (PEs). This study investigated whether JTC bias and decreased WMP are associated with co-occurring affective disturbances and PEs.MethodsData were derived from the second Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS-2). Trained interviewers administered the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) at three time points in a general population sample (N = 4618). The beads and digit-span task were completed to assess JTC bias and WMP, respectively. CIDI was used to measure affective disturbances and an add-on instrument to measure PEs.ResultsCompared to individuals with neither affective disturbances nor PEs, the JTC bias was more likely to occur in individuals with co-occurring affective disturbances and PEs [moderate psychosis (1–2 PEs): adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.17, 95% CI 0.98–1.41; and high psychosis (3 or more PEs or psychosis-related help-seeking behaviour): adjusted RRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.19–2.08], but not with affective disturbances and PEs alone, whereas decreased WMP was more likely in all groups. There was some evidence of a dose–response relationship, as JTC bias and decreased WMP were more likely in individuals with affective disturbances as the level of PEs increased or help-seeking behaviour was reported.ConclusionThe findings suggest that JTC bias and decreased WMP may contribute to a transdiagnostic phenotype of co-occurring affective disturbances and PEs.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.T.W. Wigman ◽  
K.J. Wardenaar ◽  
R.B.K. Wanders ◽  
S.H. Booij ◽  
B.F. Jeronimus ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundMild psychotic experiences are common in the general population. Although transient and benign in most cases, these experiences are predictive of later mental health problems for a significant minority. The goal of the present study was to perform examinations of the dimensional and discrete variations in individuals’ reporting of subclinical positive and negative psychotic experiences in a unique Dutch internet-based sample from the general population.MethodsPositive and negative subclinical psychotic experiences were measured with the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences in 2870 individuals. First, the prevalence of these experiences and their associations with demographics, affect, psychopathology and quality of life were investigated. Next, latent class analysis was used to identify data-driven subgroups with different symptom patterns, which were subsequently compared on aforementioned variables.ResultsSubclinical psychotic experiences were commonly reported. Both positive and negative psychotic experiences were associated with younger age, more negative affect, anxiety and depression as well as less positive affect and poorer quality of life. Seven latent classes (‘Low psychotic experiences’, ‘Lethargic’, ‘Blunted’, ‘Distressed’, ‘Paranormal’, ‘Distressed_grandiose’ and ‘Distressed/positive psychotic experiences’) were identified that demonstrated both dimensional differences in the number/severity of psychotic experiences and discrete differences in the patterns of reported experiences.ConclusionSubclinical psychotic experiences show both dimensional severity variations and discrete symptom-pattern variations across individuals. To understand and capture all interindividual variations in subclinical psychotic experiences, their number, nature and context (co-occurrence patterns) should be considered at the same time. Only some psychotic experiences may lay on a true psychopathological psychosis continuum.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine Raw ◽  
Polly Waite ◽  
Samantha Pearcey ◽  
Cathy Creswell ◽  
Adrienne Shum ◽  
...  

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lives of children and adolescents, forcing them into periods of prolonged social isolation and time away from school. Understanding the psychological consequences of the UK’s lockdown for children and adolescents, the associated risk factors, and how trajectories may vary for children and adolescents in different circumstances is essential so that the most vulnerable children and adolescents can be identified and appropriate support can be implemented. Methods Parents and carers (n = 2988) in the U.K. with children and adolescents aged between 4 and 16 years completed an online survey about their child’s mental health. Growth curve analysis was used to examine the changes in conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention and emotional symptoms between the end of March/beginning of April and July using data from four monthly assessments. Additionally, growth mixture modelling identified mental health trajectories for conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention and emotional symptoms separately and subsequent regression models were used to estimate predictors of mental health trajectory membership. Results Overall levels of hyperactivity and conduct problems increased over time whereas emotional symptoms remained relatively stable, though declined somewhat between June and July. Change over time varied according to child age, the presence of siblings, and with Special Educational Needs (SEN)/ Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ND). Subsequent growth mixture modelling identified three, four and five trajectories for hyperactivity/inattention, conduct problems and emotional symptoms, respectively. Though many children maintained “stable3low” symptoms, others experienced elevated symptoms by July. These children were more likely to have a parent/carer with higher levels of psychological distress, to have SEN/ND, or to be younger in age. Conclusions The findings support previous literature and highlight that certain risk factors were associated with poorer mental health trajectories for children and adolescents during the pandemic.


Author(s):  
Hui-yao Wang ◽  
Qian Xia ◽  
Zhen-zhen Xiong ◽  
Zhi-xiong Li ◽  
Wei-yi Xiang ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundAs the epidemic outbreak of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), general population may experience psychological distress. Evidence has suggested that negative coping styles may be related to subsequent mental illness. Therefore, we investigate the general population’s psychological distress and coping styles in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsA cross-sectional battery of surveys was conducted from February 1-4, 2020. The Kessler 6 psychological distress scale, the simplified coping style questionnaire and a general information questionnaire were administered on-line to a convenience sample of 1599 in China. Spearman’s correlation was used to measure the correlations among category variables.ResultsGeneral population’s psychological distress were significant differences based on age, marriage, epidemic contact characteristics, concern with media reports, and perceived impacts of the epidemic outbreak (all p <0.001) except gender (p=0.316). Those with a history of visiting Wuhan and a history of epidemics occurring in the community, more concern with media reports, perceived more severe impacts and negative coping style had a higher level of psychological distress, which was significantly positively correlated with a history of visiting Wuhan (r=0.548, p<0.001), a history of epidemics occurring in the community (r=0.219, p<0.001), and concern with media reports (r=0.192, p<0.001). Coping styles were significantly different across all category variables (all p <0.001), and negatively correlated with other category variables (all p<0.01) except age and marriage. Psychological distress was significantly negatively correlated with the coping style (r=-0.573, p<0.01).ConclusionsIn the early stages of COVID-19, general population with epidemic contact characteristics, excessive concern with media reports, and perceived more severe impacts have higher levels of psychological distress. Psychological distress was significantly negatively correlated with the coping style. Interventions should be implemented early, especially for those population with a high level of psychological distress and/or with a negative coping style.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-58
Author(s):  
Katherine Whale ◽  
Kathleen Green ◽  
Kevin Browne

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between attachment style, sub-clinical symptoms of psychosis and aggression in a general population sample.Design/methodology/approachUsing both convenience and snowball sampling, participants in the community (n=213) completed an online questionnaire including previously validated measures of adult attachment, aggression and psychotic experiences.FindingsResults suggested that there were statistically significant correlations between all study variables. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that total psychotic-like experiences and attachment scores significantly predicted variance in total aggression. Moderation approaches revealed that the relationship between psychotic-like events and aggression was stronger in individuals with more insecure attachment styles.Research limitations/implicationsThis generalisability of the results is compromised by the sampling methodology and the use of self-report tools. However, the significant results would support larger scale replications investigating similar variables.Originality/valueThis study suggests there is a relationship between psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and facets of aggression in the general population. These results suggest that attachment is a contributing factor to aggression associated with PLEs, and highlight the need for similar investigations within clinical samples. The results imply that attachment may be a useful construct for explanatory models of the relationship between adverse childhood experiences, psychotic experiences and aggression.


2010 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Mackie ◽  
N. Castellanos-Ryan ◽  
P. J. Conrod

BackgroundResearch suggests that psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in the general population are common, but can reflect either transitory or persistent developmental phenomena. Using a general adolescent population it was examined whether different developmental subtypes of PLEs exist and whether different trajectories of PLEs are associated with certain environmental risk factors, such as victimization and substance use.MethodSelf-reported PLEs were collected from 409 adolescents (mean age 14 years 7 months) at four time points, each 6 months apart. General growth mixture modelling was utilized to identify classes of adolescents who followed distinct trajectories of PLEs across this period. Predictors of class membership included demographics, personality, victimization, depression, anxiety and substance use.ResultsWe identified the following three developmental subgroups of PLEs: (1) persistent; (2) increasing; (3) low. Adolescents on the persistent trajectory reported frequent victimization and consistent elevated scores in depression and anxiety. Adolescents on the increasing trajectory were engaging in cigarette use prior to any increases in PLEs and were engaging in cocaine, cannabis and other drug use as PLEs increased at later time points.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that different developmental subgroups of PLEs exist in adolescence and are differentially related to victimization and substance use.


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