Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.009
Jean Belbèze , Claire Lamas , Jérôme Silva , Maurice Corcos , Marion Robin
Objective
In a context of debates on the place of complex trauma within psychiatric pathology, it is essential to accurately measure the extent of the effects of adversity across different disorders. Such studies are rare, however, because they often focus on a single diagnosis. The measurement of adversity is usually self-reported, retrospective, and usually includes a single dimension. Furthermore, at-risk family interactions and maltreatment constitute two distinct and central risk factors for both complex trauma and psychiatric disorders. Yet they are rarely studied together, nor through an overview of psychiatric disorders. This is the aim of this study, which hypothesizes that adversity is widely distributed across all the psychiatric disorders of adolescents admitted to psychiatric hospitals, and postulates that it is possible to discern distinct adversity profiles depending on the diagnosis.
Methodology
This cross-sectional analysis stems from the Family & Care study, which aims to measure various adversity factors in hospitalized adolescents aged 13 to 19 (n = 425). Data on abuse and neglect were collected by hetero-assessment using the European abuse and neglect database Child Abuse and Neglect via Minimum Data Set (CAN-via-MDS), and family interactions were measured using the At-Risk Family Interactions and Levers (ARFIL) scale, a 30-item clinical tool also rated by hetero-assessment.
Results
Among the 425 participants, the prevalence of emotional abuse was 46.1%, physical abuse 21.4%, sexual abuse 25.1% and neglect 70.5%. The psychiatric disorders measured were all associated with significant rates of childhood adversity, and different adversity profiles could be identified according to diagnosis. Trauma- and stress-related disorders accounted for only 13.4% of disorders. The latter, as well as borderline personality disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, were associated with higher scores of at-risk family interactions than the other diagnoses, highlighting the distinct influence of at-risk family dynamics independently of abuse or neglect.
Conclusion
The determinants linked to adversity cut across all the nosographic fields in child psychiatry, and support the idea that the complex trauma clinic overlaps strongly with all the usual diagnostic categories. Depending on the diagnosis, it seems possible to identify distinct adversity profiles, with borderline personality disorder appearing as one face of complex trauma among others. The Family & Care study reinforces the value of multiplying the sources of observation in clinical practice and in future research, by combining diagnostic aspects with the relational correlates of patients under psychiatric care, which represent both risk factors and essential therapeutic levers.
{"title":"Adversité, troubles psychiatriques adolescents et trauma complexe : comorbidités ou superposition ?","authors":"Jean Belbèze , Claire Lamas , Jérôme Silva , Maurice Corcos , Marion Robin","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In a context of debates on the place of complex trauma within psychiatric pathology, it is essential to accurately measure the extent of the effects of adversity across different disorders. Such studies are rare, however, because they often focus on a single diagnosis. The measurement of adversity is usually self-reported, retrospective, and usually includes a single dimension. Furthermore, at-risk family interactions and maltreatment constitute two distinct and central risk factors for both complex trauma and psychiatric disorders. Yet they are rarely studied together, nor through an overview of psychiatric disorders. This is the aim of this study, which hypothesizes that adversity is widely distributed across all the psychiatric disorders of adolescents admitted to psychiatric hospitals, and postulates that it is possible to discern distinct adversity profiles depending on the diagnosis.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>This cross-sectional analysis stems from the Family & Care study, which aims to measure various adversity factors in hospitalized adolescents aged 13 to 19 (<em>n</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->425). Data on abuse and neglect were collected by hetero-assessment using the European abuse and neglect database Child Abuse and Neglect via Minimum Data Set (CAN-via-MDS), and family interactions were measured using the At-Risk Family Interactions and Levers (ARFIL) scale, a 30-item clinical tool also rated by hetero-assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 425 participants, the prevalence of emotional abuse was 46.1%, physical abuse 21.4%, sexual abuse 25.1% and neglect 70.5%. The psychiatric disorders measured were all associated with significant rates of childhood adversity, and different adversity profiles could be identified according to diagnosis. Trauma- and stress-related disorders accounted for only 13.4% of disorders. The latter, as well as borderline personality disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, were associated with higher scores of at-risk family interactions than the other diagnoses, highlighting the distinct influence of at-risk family dynamics independently of abuse or neglect.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The determinants linked to adversity cut across all the nosographic fields in child psychiatry, and support the idea that the complex trauma clinic overlaps strongly with all the usual diagnostic categories. Depending on the diagnosis, it seems possible to identify distinct adversity profiles, with borderline personality disorder appearing as one face of complex trauma among others. The Family & Care study reinforces the value of multiplying the sources of observation in clinical practice and in future research, by combining diagnostic aspects with the relational correlates of patients under psychiatric care, which represent both risk factors and essential therapeutic levers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S24-S31"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145182514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.005
Maud Cappelletti , Aziz Essadek , Ariane Bazan
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder is a recent diagnosis with manifestations that differ from those of post-traumatic stress disorder. Persistent functional impairment is a new dimension specific to complex trauma. Some aspects of this diagnostic category which was adopted by the international classification of diseases eleventh revision are still being studied, for example, its prevalence across the world in many cultural situations where the exposure to traumatic events differ. Network analysis offers a new conceptualization of psychopathology by focusing on interactions between symptoms beyond the usual latent class approach. It makes it possible to statistically validate the international classification of diseases’ new diagnostic criteria by differentiating the manifestations of different pathologies such as intense stress exposure pathologies or borderline disorder that share symptoms. It also provides various insights into this disorder and allows us to observe sequences of appearance and evolution depending on age and type of event. While childhood trauma appears to be particularly associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, literature mainly highlights the long-term consequences of such childhood events in adulthood. The persistent functional impairment cluster is particularly important within complex trauma networks. This is one of the most important developmental consequences for survivors and reflects a reality perceived by clinicians. This extends to psychotherapy which turns out to be longer and more complex because of the insecurity of the relationship experienced by the traumatized person. Network analysis applied to complex trauma gives an understanding of the dynamics of the relationships between its multitude of symptoms. They can define intervention targets for mental health professionals. And they can enable coordinated multi-professional actions which is an important issue especially in multi-factorial situations such as child protection. This work explores the contributions of network analysis to the understanding of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. For this purpose, we outline the central concepts of complex trauma and its implications. In particular, the impact of recurring traumatic situations of an interpersonal nature on self-construction and the ability to create relationships. We exhibit the fundamental principles of the network approach and compare the contributions of older cross-sectional analyzes with those of longitudinal networks. Then, we provide an overview of the knowledge acquired through the application of network analysis to complex trauma, from childhood to adulthood. Finally, we discuss criticisms of this approach and propose reflections on the future of this statistical analysis method which is growing fast.
{"title":"Psychotraumatisme complexe et analyse de réseaux : de l’enfance à l’âge adulte","authors":"Maud Cappelletti , Aziz Essadek , Ariane Bazan","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complex post-traumatic stress disorder is a recent diagnosis with manifestations that differ from those of post-traumatic stress disorder. Persistent functional impairment is a new dimension specific to complex trauma. Some aspects of this diagnostic category which was adopted by the international classification of diseases eleventh revision are still being studied, for example, its prevalence across the world in many cultural situations where the exposure to traumatic events differ. Network analysis offers a new conceptualization of psychopathology by focusing on interactions between symptoms beyond the usual latent class approach. It makes it possible to statistically validate the international classification of diseases’ new diagnostic criteria by differentiating the manifestations of different pathologies such as intense stress exposure pathologies or borderline disorder that share symptoms. It also provides various insights into this disorder and allows us to observe sequences of appearance and evolution depending on age and type of event. While childhood trauma appears to be particularly associated with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, literature mainly highlights the long-term consequences of such childhood events in adulthood. The persistent functional impairment cluster is particularly important within complex trauma networks. This is one of the most important developmental consequences for survivors and reflects a reality perceived by clinicians. This extends to psychotherapy which turns out to be longer and more complex because of the insecurity of the relationship experienced by the traumatized person. Network analysis applied to complex trauma gives an understanding of the dynamics of the relationships between its multitude of symptoms. They can define intervention targets for mental health professionals. And they can enable coordinated multi-professional actions which is an important issue especially in multi-factorial situations such as child protection. This work explores the contributions of network analysis to the understanding of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. For this purpose, we outline the central concepts of complex trauma and its implications. In particular, the impact of recurring traumatic situations of an interpersonal nature on self-construction and the ability to create relationships. We exhibit the fundamental principles of the network approach and compare the contributions of older cross-sectional analyzes with those of longitudinal networks. Then, we provide an overview of the knowledge acquired through the application of network analysis to complex trauma, from childhood to adulthood. Finally, we discuss criticisms of this approach and propose reflections on the future of this statistical analysis method which is growing fast.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S32-S38"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144977741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.006
Julie Rolling
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), caused by repeated traumatic events of interpersonal origin (such as physical or sexual violence, or war), leads to severe disorders of emotional regulation, self-perception and interpersonal relationships. Without early diagnosis and intervention, children and adolescents with C-PTSD are at risk of developing chronic mental disorders. Rapid therapeutic interventions are thus required in order to avoid the persistence of symptoms and at-risk behaviours altering the development and life trajectory of these young people. The aim of this article is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of existing therapeutic interventions aimed at professionals who screen, diagnose or care for children or adolescents with C-PTSD. The specific clinical and treatment profiles of these patients (e.g., stabilization, trauma treatment, promoting cognitive and psychological integration processes, self-compassion and engagement in interpersonal relations, family involvement) are detailed, in order to propose a diagnostic strategy and set out the various possibilities for comprehensive management based on adaptations of existing therapeutic protocols for these paediatric populations. Therapeutic, psychological and psychopharmacological approaches that are either validated or in development are presented, along with their current level of scientific evidence. This article highlights the importance of training French-speaking child and adolescent psychiatric professionals in these therapies, and of further developing research in this field.
{"title":"Panorama des thérapeutiques du trauma complexe chez l’enfant et l’adolescent","authors":"Julie Rolling","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), caused by repeated traumatic events of interpersonal origin (such as physical or sexual violence, or war), leads to severe disorders of emotional regulation, self-perception and interpersonal relationships. Without early diagnosis and intervention, children and adolescents with C-PTSD are at risk of developing chronic mental disorders. Rapid therapeutic interventions are thus required in order to avoid the persistence of symptoms and at-risk behaviours altering the development and life trajectory of these young people. The aim of this article is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of existing therapeutic interventions aimed at professionals who screen, diagnose or care for children or adolescents with C-PTSD. The specific clinical and treatment profiles of these patients (e.g., stabilization, trauma treatment, promoting cognitive and psychological integration processes, self-compassion and engagement in interpersonal relations, family involvement) are detailed, in order to propose a diagnostic strategy and set out the various possibilities for comprehensive management based on adaptations of existing therapeutic protocols for these paediatric populations. Therapeutic, psychological and psychopharmacological approaches that are either validated or in development are presented, along with their current level of scientific evidence. This article highlights the importance of training French-speaking child and adolescent psychiatric professionals in these therapies, and of further developing research in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S39-S49"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145182518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.008
Delphine Collin-Vézina
The concept of complex trauma (or developmental trauma) has been proposed to refer both to chronic exposure to interpersonal experiences in children and adolescents and to the constellation of possible sequelae that cause significant difficulties throughout life. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the theoretical and clinical approaches to complex trauma in order to better understand the scope of this concept. Through a review of the literature, this chapter outlines the historical evolution of this concept, its current definition, the diagnostic issues involved, and the preferred directions for its future use in research and clinical practice. This article highlights the significant shift that has taken place over time, from a concept closely linked to the traumatic experiences of individuals and the clinical challenges they face, to a collective responsibility to implement social actions that can lead to deeper structural and systemic change.
{"title":"Le trauma complexe : abord théorico-clinique","authors":"Delphine Collin-Vézina","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The concept of complex trauma (or developmental trauma) has been proposed to refer both to chronic exposure to interpersonal experiences in children and adolescents and to the constellation of possible sequelae that cause significant difficulties throughout life. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the theoretical and clinical approaches to complex trauma in order to better understand the scope of this concept. Through a review of the literature, this chapter outlines the historical evolution of this concept, its current definition, the diagnostic issues involved, and the preferred directions for its future use in research and clinical practice. This article highlights the significant shift that has taken place over time, from a concept closely linked to the traumatic experiences of individuals and the clinical challenges they face, to a collective responsibility to implement social actions that can lead to deeper structural and systemic change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S4-S8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145016581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.12.001
Christine A. Courtois
{"title":"A conceptual and paradigm shift whose time has come","authors":"Christine A. Courtois","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S1-S3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145771970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.003
Marion Robin
{"title":"Le trauma complexe dans la réalité clinique quotidienne en pédopsychiatrie","authors":"Marion Robin","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S50-S51"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144977698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.004
Sandrine Bonneton , Aziz Essadek
Introduction
Adolescents supported by child protection services (CPS) represent a population exposed to repeated relational trauma that significantly increases the risk of developing complex trauma characterized by polymorphic symptomatology. The behavioral problems presented by adolescents followed by CPS may fit within this nosographic framework. They can lead to major difficulties in adapting to their environment, especially when the trajectory of polyvictimization is pronounced. Unfortunately, the failure of professionals to recognize this diagnosis remains frequent. As a result, institutional responses are often poorly adapted to the needs of the adolescents concerned, promoting an excessive psychiatrisation of their behavioral manifestations at the expense of a comprehensive and holistic approach rooted in their traumatic history.
Method
This work offers a theoretical-clinical reflection on complex trauma expressed through behavioral problems among adolescents supported by CPS. It is based on the main recent clinical and scientific contributions, particularly research related to integrative and systemic approaches.
Results
Theoretical and clinical data highlight both the importance and the difficulties of identifying manifestations of complex trauma among adolescents supported by CPS, especially when they present behavioral problems. The analysis emphasizes the contributions of clinical support systems and trauma-informed practices in structuring institutional responses. These practices, particularly the Attachment, Regulation of Affect, Competence (ARC) model, by promoting a developmental and relational understanding of behavioral symptoms, provide a structured framework for operationalizing the educational support of adolescents within CPS, moving beyond crisis management logic and enabling the effective use of specific care modalities when necessary.
Discussion
Recognizing traumatic history, often marked by polyvictimization, appears essential to adequately meet the needs of the adolescents concerned. While integrative and systemic approaches represent promising levers for transforming professional practices within CPS, their implementation remains marginal in France. Avenues for reflection and research are discussed to promote the concrete adoption of these models by institutions, particularly in terms of training, team support, and structuring connections between institutions, with the aim of building better-coordinated educational and therapeutic interventions.
{"title":"Problèmes comportementaux en protection de l’enfance : comprendre et intervenir à partir du concept de trauma complexe","authors":"Sandrine Bonneton , Aziz Essadek","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Adolescents supported by child protection services (CPS) represent a population exposed to repeated relational trauma that significantly increases the risk of developing complex trauma characterized by polymorphic symptomatology. The behavioral problems presented by adolescents followed by CPS may fit within this nosographic framework. They can lead to major difficulties in adapting to their environment, especially when the trajectory of polyvictimization is pronounced. Unfortunately, the failure of professionals to recognize this diagnosis remains frequent. As a result, institutional responses are often poorly adapted to the needs of the adolescents concerned, promoting an excessive psychiatrisation of their behavioral manifestations at the expense of a comprehensive and holistic approach rooted in their traumatic history.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This work offers a theoretical-clinical reflection on complex trauma expressed through behavioral problems among adolescents supported by CPS. It is based on the main recent clinical and scientific contributions, particularly research related to integrative and systemic approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Theoretical and clinical data highlight both the importance and the difficulties of identifying manifestations of complex trauma among adolescents supported by CPS, especially when they present behavioral problems. The analysis emphasizes the contributions of clinical support systems and trauma-informed practices in structuring institutional responses. These practices, particularly the Attachment, Regulation of Affect, Competence (ARC) model, by promoting a developmental and relational understanding of behavioral symptoms, provide a structured framework for operationalizing the educational support of adolescents within CPS, moving beyond crisis management logic and enabling the effective use of specific care modalities when necessary.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Recognizing traumatic history, often marked by polyvictimization, appears essential to adequately meet the needs of the adolescents concerned. While integrative and systemic approaches represent promising levers for transforming professional practices within CPS, their implementation remains marginal in France. Avenues for reflection and research are discussed to promote the concrete adoption of these models by institutions, particularly in terms of training, team support, and structuring connections between institutions, with the aim of building better-coordinated educational and therapeutic interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S17-S23"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145016561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.007
Marion Robin , Michel Spodenkiewicz , Jean Belbèze , Maurice Corcos
The body of knowledge on trauma is rapidly expanding. Since 2022, the WHO has been calling for the history of adversity to be systematically taken into account when assessing the state of health of all individuals. But at this stage, our understanding of the precise mechanisms of complex trauma remains incomplete. In fact, its pathophysiology lies at the crossroads of neurobiological, psychological and relational fields of study. The aim of this review is to set out the key elements of this scientific literature in order to move towards a more global and comprehensive vision, which remains a challenge. The clinical forms of complex trauma are analyzed in the light of the neurobiology of chronic and early stress, cognitive-emotional disorders, and relational and attachment imbalances. Four dimensions each play a major role in the psycho-traumatic equation: characteristics relating to adversity factors, circumstances of onset, any prior vulnerabilities, and environmental resources (particularly relational support). Borderline personality disorder appears to be one of the faces of complex trauma, and a valuable model for understanding a pathophysiology that takes place in two stages, in which previous psychobiological changes contribute to the disproportionate or unrelated appearance of symptoms in relation to current environmental factors. This pathophysiology of a profound link between early experiences, alterations in the self and affective regulation disorders in adolescence or adulthood, raises new questions about the definition and understanding of psychiatric disorders, and first and foremost personality disorders, which are at the crossroads of the shift from “simple” trauma to complex trauma. Understanding the mechanics of trauma ultimately involves a shift from a symptom-centered approach to a dual approach involving the symptom in a synchronic (instantaneous) perspective and the patient's history in a diachronic (temporal evolution) perspective. It is also a shift from the subject to his or her environment, which calls for a global and systemic vision.
{"title":"Vers une physiopathologie intégrative du trauma complexe","authors":"Marion Robin , Michel Spodenkiewicz , Jean Belbèze , Maurice Corcos","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.06.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The body of knowledge on trauma is rapidly expanding. Since 2022, the WHO has been calling for the history of adversity to be systematically taken into account when assessing the state of health of all individuals. But at this stage, our understanding of the precise mechanisms of complex trauma remains incomplete. In fact, its pathophysiology lies at the crossroads of neurobiological, psychological and relational fields of study. The aim of this review is to set out the key elements of this scientific literature in order to move towards a more global and comprehensive vision, which remains a challenge. The clinical forms of complex trauma are analyzed in the light of the neurobiology of chronic and early stress, cognitive-emotional disorders, and relational and attachment imbalances. Four dimensions each play a major role in the psycho-traumatic equation: characteristics relating to adversity factors, circumstances of onset, any prior vulnerabilities, and environmental resources (particularly relational support). Borderline personality disorder appears to be one of the faces of complex trauma, and a valuable model for understanding a pathophysiology that takes place in two stages, in which previous psychobiological changes contribute to the disproportionate or unrelated appearance of symptoms in relation to current environmental factors. This pathophysiology of a profound link between early experiences, alterations in the self and affective regulation disorders in adolescence or adulthood, raises new questions about the definition and understanding of psychiatric disorders, and first and foremost personality disorders, which are at the crossroads of the shift from “simple” trauma to complex trauma. Understanding the mechanics of trauma ultimately involves a shift from a symptom-centered approach to a dual approach involving the symptom in a synchronic (instantaneous) perspective and the patient's history in a diachronic (temporal evolution) perspective. It is also a shift from the subject to his or her environment, which calls for a global and systemic vision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages S9-S16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145030746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.11.001
Christine A. Courtois
{"title":"A conceptual and paradigm shift whose time has come","authors":"Christine A. Courtois","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":"51 6","pages":"Pages 582-584"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145555168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2025.08.006
Abdulkarim Tutakhail, Fodié Diarra, François Coudoré, Indira Mendez-David, Denis J David
Physical activity is increasingly recognized not only for its physical benefits but also for its profound impact on brain health. We reviewed the effects of exercise on mood and cognition with a particular focus on the underlying biological mechanisms, notably brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuroplasticity. Emerging evidence indicated that exercise, particularly aerobic activity, elevates BDNF levels in key brain regions such as the hippocampus, fostering neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. These processes contribute to improved emotional regulation, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, while also enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Furthermore, we investigated the implications of these findings across diverse age cohorts, including children, adults, and older adults, to elucidate age-specific effects on neurobiological processes such as growth, survival, differentiation, and neurogenesis. We also propose future research directions to enhance understanding of these mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on the therapeutic potential of physical activity as a broadly accessible intervention for promoting mental health and cognitive function across the lifespan.
{"title":"Harnessing exercise for brain health: BDNF, neuroplasticity & well-being.","authors":"Abdulkarim Tutakhail, Fodié Diarra, François Coudoré, Indira Mendez-David, Denis J David","doi":"10.1016/j.encep.2025.08.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2025.08.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physical activity is increasingly recognized not only for its physical benefits but also for its profound impact on brain health. We reviewed the effects of exercise on mood and cognition with a particular focus on the underlying biological mechanisms, notably brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuroplasticity. Emerging evidence indicated that exercise, particularly aerobic activity, elevates BDNF levels in key brain regions such as the hippocampus, fostering neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. These processes contribute to improved emotional regulation, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, while also enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Furthermore, we investigated the implications of these findings across diverse age cohorts, including children, adults, and older adults, to elucidate age-specific effects on neurobiological processes such as growth, survival, differentiation, and neurogenesis. We also propose future research directions to enhance understanding of these mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on the therapeutic potential of physical activity as a broadly accessible intervention for promoting mental health and cognitive function across the lifespan.</p>","PeriodicalId":51042,"journal":{"name":"Encephale-Revue De Psychiatrie Clinique Biologique et Therapeutique","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145477168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}