This episode features an analysis of the mental heath portrayal depicted the 2019 film Joker.

 

What can we learn from this movie?  

Contact the 2 Shrinks:

Dr. Colleen Mullen

https://twitter.com/DrColleenMullen

Courtney Calkins - QuadFather

https://twitter.com/QuadFatherMft

Website

http://shrink2shrink.com/

Twitter link:

https://twitter.com/Shrink2Shrink 

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): ƒ Diabetes ƒ Lung disease ƒ Malnutrition ƒ Vision problems ƒ Functional limitations (i.e., being limited in activities) ƒ Heart attack ƒ Arthritis ƒ Back problems ƒ High blood pressure ƒ Brain damageƒ Migraine headaches ƒ Chronic bronchitis/emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ƒ Cancer ƒ Stroke ƒ Bowel disease ƒ Chronic fatigue syndrome

AND certain regions of the brain may fail to form.