Case Studies
Studying childhood experiences in treatment-resistant epilepsy
Understanding the role of adverse childhood experiences in treatment-resistant epilepsy.
A team of QUT researchers based at TRI and clinicians from Metro South Health are exploring the link between early life stressors and epilepsy, paving the way for more effective treatments in the future.
The team consists of QUT researchers under the leadership of Professor Selena Bartlett and clinicians from the Princess Alexandra Hospital. It is supported by a Princess Alexandra Research Foundation and TRI Microgrant.
Key points
- A collaborative project between PA Hospital clinicians and QUT scientists is investigating how adverse childhood experiences may contribute to treatment-resistant epilepsy.
- The study aims to identify specific early life stressors that increase the risk of treatment-resistant epilepsy, paving the way for targeted interventions to be developed to improve patient outcomes.
- The research provides a deeper understanding of how early life experiences affect neurological health, particularly in how treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy can develop.
Adverse childhood experiences and their link with neurological conditions
Adverse childhood experiences include stressors such as food insecurity, exposure to domestic violence and household mental illness. The experiences are linked to higher rates of medical and psychiatric comorbidities and have been associated with an increased likelihood of developing epilepsy or seizure disorders. Despite significant advancements in epilepsy treatment, around 30% of patients have treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE), where seizures remain uncontrolled with current medications.
This project aims to systematically examine the role of early life experiences in the development of epilepsy and treatment-resistant epilepsy. By conducting a cross-sectional retrospective cohort analysis at the PA Hospital, researchers will investigate the link between adverse childhood experiences and epilepsy or seizure disorders in children, adjusting for demographic factors. The goal of leveraging a team of neurologists, psychologists and neuroscientists is to identify specific adverse childhood experiences that significantly impact the conditions, paving the way for targeted interventions to be developed and support within the patient population to be designed to improve outcomes.
Impact on patient care
The project aims to benefit patients by:
Improving treatment plans:
The researchers aim to understand specific adverse childhood experiences that elevate the risk for treatment-resistant epilepsy and enable healthcare providers to develop individualised treatment plans, incorporating tailored medical treatments and specialised psychological support.
Enhancing patient care:
Researchers aim to assist in providing a holistic view of patient care for healthcare professionals, with the potential to better address psychological and social dimensions of epilepsy, leading to more compassionate and informed approaches.
Reducing seizure frequency and severity:
Targeted early interventions has the potential to improve seizure control, reduce the frequency and severity of episodes and enhance overall quality of life.
Professor Bartlett said the project was based on evidence which shows the critical role of early life experiences in shaping neurological health.
“We hope this research will advance our understanding of how early life stressors influence the development and management of treatment-resistant epilepsy,” she said.
“By identifying and addressing specific adverse childhood experiences, the project aims to develop more effective, personalised treatment strategies for TRE, ultimately improving patient outcomes.”
Professor Bartlett is an esteemed neuroscientist and pharmacologist known for her groundbreaking work in addiction neuroscience and mental health. Her career spans more than three decades, marked by her significant contributions to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and mental health disorders. In her current research, Professor Bartlett is pioneering efforts to understand the impact of social media on adolescent mental health.
The project builds on Professor Bartlett’s previous research, which has been supported by TRI’s Core Facilities team in the past decade.
PARF/TRI collaborative microgrants
The PARF/TRI Collaborative Microgrant provides seed funding of up to $3,000 to drive new, short-term research projects between Princess Alexandra Hospital-based clinicians (novice, early or mid-career) and TRI-based researchers. The funding will enable the clinicians to buy consumables or access services needed for the projects.
Publications
Bartlett, Selena. 2024. Being Seen: Master Parenting in the Digital Age. Australia: Brain Fitness.
Belmer, A., Depoortere, R., Beecher, K. et al. Neural serotonergic circuits for controlling long-term voluntary alcohol consumption. Mol Psychiatry 27, 4599–4610 (2022). DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01789-z
Gillespie KM, White MJ, Kemps E, Moore H, Dymond A, Bartlett SE. The Impact of Free and Added Sugars on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2024; 16(1):75. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/nu16010075
Holgate JY, Bartlett SE. Early Life Stress, Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Alcohol Use Disorders. Brain Sciences. 2015; 5(3):258-274. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/brainsci5030258
Beecher K, Alvarez Cooper I, Wang J, Walters SB, Chehrehasa F, Bartlett SE and Belmer A (2021) Long-Term Overconsumption of Sugar Starting at Adolescence Produces Persistent Hyperactivity and Neurocognitive Deficits in Adulthood. Front. Neurosci. 15:670430. DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.670430
