Bullying and psychosis

Several studies have shown that traumatic events in childhood - such as physical or sexual abuse - increase the risk of developing psychosis in adulthood. Now researchers at Warwick University have found that bullying can double the risk of developing psychosis symptoms in 12-year-old children. The researchers tracked 6,437 children from 7 to 12. The children had yearly physical and psychological assessments, were asked about psychosis symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and bizarre thoughts, and children, parents and teachers were asked about bullying. The appearance of psychotic symptoms was twice as high among the bullying victims, regardless of any other mental-health problems they might have, family problems or intelligence.

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE5436PQ20090504?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0