Child maltreatment is a global phenomenon affecting a significant number of the world’s children. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of self-reported childhood maltreatment... Show moreChild maltreatment is a global phenomenon affecting a significant number of the world’s children. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of self-reported childhood maltreatment among university students in Kenya, Zambia, and The Netherlands. We also sought to compare the psychopathological sequelae of child maltreatment in the three samples. In addition, we sought to find out whether PTSS mediated the association between child maltreatment and the psychopathological symptoms. The results of our study showed that neglect in childhood was the most prevalent of all forms of child maltreatment across the three samples. Physical abuse and sexual abuse was most prevalent in Kenya and Zambia while witnessing interparental violence was the least prevalent in the two samples. Child maltreatment was differentially associated with psychopathological symptoms in the three samples of our study. Notably, neglect was the most predictive of psychopathology symptoms. The cross-validation results of our study showed that there were no significant differences in the predictive patterns of PTSS from child maltreatment in the three samples. PTSS mediated the association between child maltreatment and psychopathology symptoms albeit differentially. The results of our study show that there is need to mitigate the prevalence and sequelae of child maltreatment. Show less
The project described in this thesis was designed to test if genetic variation in the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) gene is a risk factor for developing major depression. First the MR-gene was... Show moreThe project described in this thesis was designed to test if genetic variation in the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) gene is a risk factor for developing major depression. First the MR-gene was screened for genetic variation. Two selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested for in vitro functionality at different levels including: protein and mRNA expression, transactivational capacity and ligand binding. Functionality in vitro was confirmed leading us to test their influence on electrolyte regulation, stress responsiveness and personality. First, in three different cohorts one SNP influenced blood pressure and salt regulation, as could be expected for the MR. Second, the SNPs were associated with the cortisol awaking response (CAR) after dexamethasone administration and with the cortisol and autonomic response following psychosocial stress. This indicates an important role for the MR in the regulation of the stress-response. Third in a relatively small cohort (n=150) the SNPs were not associated with mood and/or anxiety disorders but in the patient group there was an association with the personality trait neuroticism. We hypothesize that genetic variants in the MR-gene are determinants of vulnerability for psychiatric disorders. Show less
Dit proefschrift begint met een overzichtsartikel van oorspronkelijke onderzoek naar psychopathologie bij mutatiedragers voor de ziekte van Huntington. Aansluitend worden de resultaten van een... Show moreDit proefschrift begint met een overzichtsartikel van oorspronkelijke onderzoek naar psychopathologie bij mutatiedragers voor de ziekte van Huntington. Aansluitend worden de resultaten van een cohortstudie naar de aanwezigheid en ernst van psychopathologie bij mensen met de ziekte van Huntington in verschillende ziektestadia en bij eerstegraads niet-dragers beschreven. Show less
