Development of a Comprehensive Scale for Adverse Childhood Experiences and Its Relationship with the Neurobiological Basis of Depression

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16642
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52030:Psychiatry-related
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Satomura Yoshihiro 東京大学, 大学院医学系研究科(医学部), 准教授 (40582531)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 小児期逆境的体験 / ACEs / トラウマ / 大うつ病性障害 / 気分障害 / 統合失調症 / NIRS / MRI

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We developed a retrospective chart review-based assessment scale for Adverse Childhood Experiences (RC-ACEE: Retrospective chart review-based assessment scale for adverse childhood events and experiences), considering the source of the events of ACEs and the pathways and modalities of their impact on the individual, and verified its reliability and validity. In patients with depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, ACEs were recognized with high frequency regardless of the disease, particularly noting more adversities received from peers or siblings. It was shown that age, gender, and educational history are associated with the presence of adversities. Furthermore, using NIRS and MRI, it was suggested that the presence of ACEs is involved in changes in brain function and structure in patients with depression and schizophrenia, with the impact varying depending on the type of adverse experience.

Free Research Field

精神疾患

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究で開発したRC-ACEEは、医療情報をもとにACEsを定量化することが可能であり、既存の指標と比較してより高い解像度で評価できるツールである。この指標により、量的・質的に異なるACEsによる精神疾患の発症や経過への影響やその脳基盤についての今後の研究のさらなる発展が期待される。