An innovative new study aimed at helping the victims of child abuse is now taking place at the University of Calgary.
Researchers, made up of a team of officials from the U of C and the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre, are looking at the impact that child abuse has on the developing brain.
The first phase of the study will see about 240 kids between the ages of six and 17 undergo MRI scans.
Half of that number would be made up of young people who have experienced some form of child abuse while the other half would not.
The tests would then determine any differences in chemistry of structure. Saliva tests would also be done to determine any changes caused by stress.
The goal of the study is to create better treatments and programs for individual who’ve suffered abuse.
“We know that child abuse has a major impact on later mental health outcomes,” said Dr. Paul Arnold, lead researcher with the U of C. “So what we’re wanting to do is see children and adolescents very early on, through our partnership with the CAC, and to follow them over time.”
Sheldon Kennedy, founder of the CAC, says that the study will also help his goals.
“One of the challenges is making the invisible visible [and] really making mental health the impact of childhood trauma understandable to society.” Sheldon Kennedy said.
The study hopes to have 1,000 kids enrolled in the study and follow them over a 10 to 15 year period.
