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Contribution title Clinical Insights from Multidisciplinary Work with Child Abuse and Neglect Victims
Contribution code D3.143
Authors
  1. Fortu Benarroch Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine Hebrew University of Jerusalem Presenter
  2. Stav Dekel Amir 1. School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. 2. Haruv Institute
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T43 - Trauma
Abstract Aims: Many child abuse victims suffer from Complex PTSD, which includes emotional dysregulation and behavioral disturbance resulting in referrals to child psychiatrists. Abuse and neglect in early childhood affect the brain during peak neurocognitive development, thus causing not only traumatic stress symptoms but also neurodevelopmental disturbances. Therefore, assessment must address both aspects. Additionally, while numerous studies demonstrate the importance of body-based interventions in complex trauma, this therapeutic approach often receives insufficient attention in conventional psychological and psychiatric treatment.
Methods: In our clinic, a child psychiatrist, an occupational therapist, a pediatric neurologist and a speech therapist produce an integrated summary providing a comprehensive view of the child's status across all domains and enabling the development of a holistic treatment plan. Moreover, multi-disciplinary collaboration has yielded creative approaches to emotional regulation rehabilitation through body-based interventions, such as movement exercises and sensory awareness techniques. We have recently initiated a research survey to evaluate the impact of body-based interventions in this population.
Results: Clinical observations indicate significant improvement in children receiving body-based interventions as part of the treatment for emotional dysregulation, compared to treatment as usual. The survey is in preliminary data collection phase; therefore, statistically significant results cannot yet be presented. However, reporting this research direction appears warranted.
Conclusion: Children exposed to early childhood abuse and neglect require assessment addressing both post-traumatic symptoms and developmental aspects. Multi-disciplinary collaboration has generated creative body-based interventions for the treatment of emotional dysregulation, which may have relevance for all trauma-focused pediatric interventions.