Adverse Childhood Experiences Linked to Increased PTSD Symptoms in Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Psychiatry International has highlighted the significant relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), specifically child abuse and child neglect, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in European adults during the pandemic. The research, conducted by a team of investigators from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, analyzed a sample of 8459 participants and found that younger women who have suffered from child abuse or child neglect are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms. The study's findings challenge the conventional understanding that child abuse is the most impactful adverse childhood experience, instead suggesting that child neglect is the most significant factor influencing PTSD risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a potentially traumatic event, disrupting daily life and introducing new challenges and threats to people worldwide.
  • The psychological defenses of individuals are influenced by a set of factors, including previous traumatic experiences, which can amplify the current trauma.
  • The study aimed to investigate the relationship between ACEs (child abuse and child neglect) and PTSD symptoms in European adults during the pandemic.
  • The research used a sample of 8459 participants (67.1% female and 32.9% male, with a mean age of 43.95 years) and evaluated the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire.
  • According to the study's findings, younger women who have suffered from child abuse or child neglect are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms.
  • The most significant factor influencing the PTSD risk was child neglect, contrary to many studies that indicate child abuse is the most impactful adverse childhood experience.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed a sample of 8459 participants.
  • 67.1% of the participants were female, while 32.9% were male.
  • The mean age of the participants was 43.95 years.
  • Younger women who have suffered from child abuse or child neglect are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms.

Sources:

  • The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and PTSD: An Analysis of the Pandemic Responses in a Sample of European Adults. Psychiatry International, 2025,6(3):76.
  • The publisher for Psychiatry International is MDPI AG.
  • A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint6030076.