Adversity in Childhood Psychopathology (1 CE)

This course is for:  Clinical Psychologists, Counselors, Nurses and LMFTs

Course By:  Joel Austin, PharmD & Kristin Ceppaluni, LMHC

Content By:  Koss, K., & Gunnar, M (2018). Annual research review: Early adversity, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, and child psychopathology.  The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 59, 4. 

Course Description:  Childhood experiences can have a substantial effect on adult well-being. Childhood stress responses can be processed in diverse ways (e.g., reactivity and regulation) that are frequently overlooked when calculating the effects of childhood adversity on physical and mental health. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA) is integral for this process as it has widespread effects on genealogical neurodevelopmental processes. Specific neurotransmitters and neural pathways highlight chemical and physiological stress responses.  This study discusses diverse ways that HPA axis activity, occurring during periods of adversity, can lead to negative mental health outcomes for children. It also highlights the need for future studies that can address related gaps in the literature.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify the aim of the study and the diverse physiological effects that the HPA axis has on mental and physical health during periods of childhood adversity
2. Integrate your knowledge of the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic system(s) with the effects of childhood adversity
3. Discuss the various ways that information pertaining to HPA axis activity and negative mental health outcomes can be further explored i.e., identify how future studies may address related gaps in the literature

Course Outline:  

• Read and understand Annual Research Review: Early Adversity, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, and child psychopathology
• Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives
• Consider the factors related to childhood adversity coupled with the information related to the physiological response processes that the body goes through
• Work through the post-test questions; keep in mind that answer selections should be derived from the respective article
• Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to better understand the relationship between childhood adversity and the physiological response of the HPA axis

Approvals: