Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Frequency and impact of childhood sexual and physical abuse on people using IAPT services
Irini Laura Verbist1, Kate Allsopp2, Dale Huey1
1Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Objectives:
This study explored the prevalence of childhood sexual/physical abuse (CSA/CPA) as identified by practitioners in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and clarified differences in clients' characteristics with and without a history of CSA/CPA.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of a large dataset comprised of IAPT routine data and data from a local service evaluation reporting on clients' presenting problems.
Results:
14% of IAPT clients (n = 1,315) were identified with a record of CSA/CPA. CSA/CPA history was associated with longer duration and earlier age of onset of condition(s), greater number of presenting problems and post-traumatic stress disorder co-occurrence, higher intensity treatment delivery, and lower recovery rates.
Conclusions:
CSA/CPA history appears as an important feature in a sizable minority of IAPT clients; further work is required to meet clients' trauma-related needs.
Practitioner Points:
A sizable minority of IAPT clients (14%) present with a history of CSA/CPA as recorded in clinical notes. CSA/CPA history is associated with more complex and enduring presentations in IAPT clients. The reported CSA/CPA frequency is likely to be underestimates of the actual prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences in IAPT clients. Trauma-informed inquiry and trauma-specific screening tools would help practitioners to meet clients' trauma-related needs.
Related Concept Videos
Bullying
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

