Childhood trauma and bipolar spectrum: a population-based sample of young adults

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood trauma has been suggested to be involved in susceptibility to bipolar disorder (BP). However, it remains unclear whether the occurrence of childhood trauma is differently distributed in subthreshold bipolar disorder (SBP). Objective: To assess childhood trauma in young adults with SBP, as compared to young adults with BP and population controls (PC). Method: This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to define the groups with BP (subjects with a lifetime or current manic episode or lifetime or current hypomania with a history of a depressive episode), SBP (subjects with a history of hypomanic episode without lifetime or current depressive episode), and subjects without mood disorders (PC). Childhood trauma was assessed using de Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). We investigated differences regarding childhood trauma across the three groups (BP, SBP and PC). Result: Except for sexual abuse, all subtypes of childhood trauma remained associated with the BP group as compared to PC. Additionally, when we compared SBP and BP, significant differences were found only for emotional abuse. No significant differences were found in relation to childhood trauma between the SBP and PC groups after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion:These findings suggest that investigating childhood trauma, with a particular focus on emotional abuse, could be considered a preventive measure and potentially improve the prognosis.

The relationship between childhood trauma and the course of disease in female patients with bipolar disorder

“…Jansen et al 31 determined that all types of trauma—with the exception of sexual abuse—were more common in individuals with BD than in individuals without BD, major depressive disorder, and affective symptoms. The positive correlation we found between childhood trauma and BD is consistent with the literature 21,32–34 …”

“…Trauma and psychosocial stress negatively affect the course of mood disorders. 18,33,38 Kefeli et al 40 reported that childhood abuse, attachment problems, severe pathological and somatoform dissociation, alexithymia, anxiety, depression, and stress were more common in BD patients (n = 40) than in healthy individuals (n = 40). This shows that childhood abuse has long-term adverse repercussions, significantly affecting functionality.…”

“…Childhood trauma is a stressful condition that, if left untreated, threatens one's physical and spiritual integrity throughout life. Trauma and psychosocial stress negatively affect the course of mood disorders 18,33,38 . Kefeli et al 40 reported that childhood abuse, attachment problems, severe pathological and somatoform dissociation, alexithymia, anxiety, depression, and stress were more common in BD patients ( n = 40) than in healthy individuals ( n = 40).…”

“…The positive correlation we found between childhood trauma and BD is consistent with the literature. 21,[32][33][34] Participants had the highest scores on the CTQ "emotional neglect," "emotional abuse," and "physical neglect" subscales. Childhood neglect and emotional abuse affect the mental development of individuals in adolescence 35 and cause mood and personality disorders in adulthood.…”

Childhood maltreatment, impulsive aggression, and suicidality among patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“…Specific to individuals with bipolar disorder, childhood maltreatment is a correlate of depression, severe manic symptoms, rapid cycling, a greater number of hospitalizations, suicidality, and an overall poorer clinical course (Agnew-Blais & Danese, 2016; Du Rocher Schudlich et al, 2015; Lamis et al, 2019; Saito et al, 2020). Limited research that differentiates the impact of subtypes of childhood maltreatment suggests that emotional abuse is associated with a greater risk for the development of bipolar disorder (Saito et al, 2020; Vieira et al, 2020). Sexual abuse is associated with a higher risk of rapid cycling (Etain et al, 2013), whereas physical abuse appears to be associated with a greater risk of self-harm (Larsson et al, 2013).…”