Childhood adversity and cognitive functioning v.1.0.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Childhood adversity and cognitive functioning in individuals accessing mental health support from the NHS: A proof of concept study
IRAS ID
319544
Contact name
Emma Welsh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 12 days
Research summary
Research Summary:
Previous research has indicated a correlation between adversity in childhood and cognitive functioning in adulthood. This project seeks to explore this area further by determining whether this phenomenon can be detected in service users accessing mental health support within CNTW NHS Foundation Trust utilizing self-report measures. Specifically, this project seeks to address the following research questions; 1. Is it feasible and acceptable to use preliminary screening measures to identify the history of adversity and cognitive needs of mental health service users, and 2. Do participants who have experienced childhood adversity perceive they have had difficulties in cognitive functioning?
It is hoped that in exploring these research questions, further consideration might be given to the cognitive needs of service users who have experienced childhood adversity in all aspects of their interactions with mental health services, including initial assessment, formulation and treatment. It also hopes to contribute to a growing field of neuropsychological research, with a specific focus on service user self-report to promote the perspective of individuals accessing mental health services.
The study is intended to run until September 2023, and participants will be individuals accessing support for mental health difficulties within CNTW (e.g. at Centre for Specialist Psychological Therapies service). Clinicians working directly with service users will act as gatekeepers to the project. Participants would be considered eligible if they are:
• accessing MH support within CNTW and maintaining regular contact with their lead clinician
• between the ages of 18-65
• considered by their clinician to be at low risk of self-harm and suicidality (as per FACE Risk Profile) and to have capacity to consent
Involvement with the study would require participants to meet with the chief investigator (CI) at either the usual site they attend for therapy or online (as per participant preference), to complete four questionnaires related to their childhood experiences and cognitive functioning.Summary of results:
Background
A relationship between adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function in adulthood is proposed within the literature. In an extension of this body of research, this project sought to explore whether it was feasible and acceptable to conduct research exploring this phenomenon in secondary care mental health settings by recruiting service users accessing them.Method
The goal was to recruit 20 - 30 people and establish the acceptability and feasibility of the research protocol, which included enquires about the acceptability of this type of research, distress caused, and perceived relevance. Qualitative feedback was also sought from clinicians and service users on further support required following participation. Retrospective assessment of ACEs and self-report measures of cognition were also utilized.Results
20 participants (mean age = 37.9, range = 19 - 60) accessing secondary care mental health were recruited. Findings indicated it was feasible to recruit participants and conduct ACE and cognitive screening as part of research within clinical services. Most participants deemed the project was acceptable and relevant to them, and that participation was not distressing. Clinician feedback was limited, though preliminary findings suggested they found it acceptable.Conclusion
This project represents an important step forward, towards considering the acceptability and feasibility of extending the existing evidence base relating to the impact of ACEs on cognitive functioning in routine clinical services. An enhanced evidence base specific to routine services could lead to more trauma informed care through considering the cognitive implications and could lead to better care and improve treatment outcomes.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0065
Date of REC Opinion
28 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion