Psychiatry: Multigene test predicts depression risk

An international team has found a genetic score that reliably predicts the risk, severity and age of onset of depression in young people. The study also confirms a history of childhood abuse as a risk factor. Click here to read further.

Childhood trauma link offers treatment hope for people with schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia may now benefit from more effective, tailored treatments and greater self-empowerment, thanks to research establishing a link between childhood trauma and some of schizophrenia's most common symptoms. Click here for ScienceDaily article

New guidance on radiological investigations of suspected child abuse

The guidance, entitled “The Radiological Investigation of Physical Abuse in Children”, has been jointly produced by The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR), with input and endorsement from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

It revamps initial guidance from 2008 and incorporates new evidence on child imaging techniques and follow-up protocols, as well as a series of new procedural templates to help radiologists, radiographers and referring paediatricians.

Preventing Violence, Promoting Peace A Policy Toolkit for Preventing Interpersonal, Collective and Extremist Violence

A policy tool kit for addressing interpersonal, collective and extremist violence brings together evidence on the prevention of all types of violence including interpersonal violence (child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, elder abuse and youth violence), collective violence (including war and gang violence) and violent extremism. It focuses largely on how to prevent individuals and groups from developing violent behaviours rather than the costly process of dealing with violence and its consequences.

What social workers need to know about ADHD, trauma and neglect

Social workers need more understanding of how trauma impacts behaviour to help prevent maltreated children being misdiagnosed with ADHD.

Children in the child protection system are three times more likely to have a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than the general population. Why is this the case? It’s possible that children with ADHD are more vulnerable to parental abuse and neglect because of their challenging behaviour and the socioeconomic backgrounds most commonly associated with ADHD.

Nurses lack confidence in escalating or identifying children at risk of abuse and neglect

On the face of it, nurses are well placed to safeguard children, but asking them about their experiences reveals barriers which hinder that role. The research points towards areas where support could help nurses fulfil their legal and ethical duties better.

In a review of published qualitative research, including surveys, interviews and focus groups, nurses say they have insufficient confidence to report child abuse issues. They often feel a need to convince other professionals, viewed as above them in the hierarchy, before taking action. Some see child protection services as unhelpful; lacking faith that they will take appropriate safeguarding action. There is also a tension between being seen as caring, compassionate and trustworthy, and watching for abuse and neglect in vulnerable families.

From the NIHR Dissemination Centre

Managing allegations of abuse: An NSPCC factsheet

This factsheet looks at how allegations of abuse by an employee or volunteer should be handled by organisations.

‘Time to listen’: A joined up approach to child sexual exploitation and missing children

This report reveals that while many professionals were committed to engaging with children, listening to their views and understanding their experiences, health communities appear to have an inadequate understanding of the signs of child sexual exploitation. There is variation in practice, which means that the signs are not being acted upon and that some children have to wait too long to get the help and support they need.