This episode features an analysis of the mental heath portrayal depicted the 2019 film Joker.
What can we learn from this movie?
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Dr. Colleen Mullen
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Courtney Calkins - QuadFather
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Resources cited during this episode:
Consequences of childhood abuse
adults with major depression who experienced abuse as children had poorer response outcomes to antidepressant treatment, especially if the maltreatment occurred when they were aged 7 or younger
Diminished executive functioning and cognitive skills. Disrupted brain development as a result of maltreatment can cause impairments to the brain’s executive functions: working memory, self-control, and cognitive flexibility (i.e., the ability to look at things and situations from different perspectives) (Kavanaugh, Dupont-Frechette, Jerskey, & Holler, 2016). Children who were maltreated also are at risk for other cognitive problems, including difficulties learning and paying attention (Bick & Nelson, 2016).
children who experience abuse or neglect are more likely to develop antisocial traits as they grow up, which can lead to criminal behavior in adulthood
Post Traumatic stress. Children who experienced abuse or neglect can develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by symptoms such as persistent re-experiencing of the traumatic events related to the abuse; avoiding people, places, and events that are associated with their maltreatment; feeling fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame; startling easily; and exhibiting hypervigilance, irritability, or other changes in mood (Sege et al., 2017). PTSD in children can lead to depression, suicidal behavior, substance use, and oppositional or defiant behaviors well into adulthood, which can affect their ability to succeed in school, and create and nurture important relationships.
Physical consequences
Childhood maltreatment has been linked to higher risk for a wide range of long-term and/or future health problems, including—but not limited to—the following (Widom, Czaja, Bentley, & Johnson, 2012; Monnat & Chandler, 2015; Afifi et al., 2016): Diabetes Lung disease Malnutrition Vision problems Functional limitations (i.e., being limited in activities) Heart attack Arthritis Back problems High blood pressure Brain damage Migraine headaches Chronic bronchitis/emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Cancer Stroke Bowel disease Chronic fatigue syndrome
AND certain regions of the brain may fail to form.