Effects of early life stress on depression, cognitive performance and brain morphology

Abstract

Background Childhood early life stress (ELS) increases risk of adulthood Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and is associated with altered brain structure and function. It is unclear whether specific ELSs affect depression risk, cognitive function and brain structure. Methods This cross-sectional study included 64 antidepressant-free depressed and 65 never depressed individuals. Both groups reported a range of ELSs on the Early Life Stress Questionnaire, completed neuropsychological testing and 3T MRI. Neuropsychological testing assessed domains of episodic memory, working memory, processing speed and executive function. MRI measures included cortical thickness and regional gray matter volumes, with a priori focus on cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), amygdala, caudate and hippocampus. Results Of 19 ELSs, only emotional abuse, sexual abuse and severe family conflict independently predicted adulthood MDD diagnosis. The effect of total ELS score differed between groups. Greater ELS exposure was associated with slower processing speed and smaller OFC volumes in depressed subjects, but faster speed and larger volumes in nondepressed subjects. In contrast, exposure to ELSs predictive of depression had similar effects in both diagnostic groups. Individuals reporting predictive ELSs exhibited poorer processing speed and working memory performance, smaller volumes of the lateral OFC and caudate, and decreased cortical thickness in multiple areas including the insula bilaterally. Predictive ELS exposure was also associated with smaller left hippocampal volume in depressed subjects. Conclusion Findings suggest an association between childhood trauma exposure and adulthood cognitive function and brain structure. These relationships appear to differ between individuals who do and do not develop depression.

The molecular mechanism underlying GABAergic dysfunction in nucleus accumbens of depression‐like behaviours in mice

“…In terms of its pathogenesis, different reports had suggested that the environmental stresses to the genetically vulnerable individuals were attributed to the depression onset or relapse . Moreover, the evidence from many clinical trials showed that the early life stress could influence the neural development and lead to the deficiency in brain reward and cognitive circuits, subsequently resulting in the increased risk in depression . However, the cellular and molecular changes induced by adverse stressor leading to defect in the cognitive and emotional circuits have not yet elucidated.…”

The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing the Adverse Effects of Childhood Stress and Trauma

“…Low SES also seems to be associated with developmental delay (specifically, a delay in cognitive development of executive functioning including working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility), poor conduct, and callous behaviors [17,18,19]. These lead to consequences of transition to adulthood such that lower SES and early life stress influence both cognitive and associated neurobiological development, which are also associated with poor health outcomes in adulthood and comorbid metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction [20,21]. Further, adverse living environment, may predispose to the development of characteristics and behaviors that are risk factors for multiple comorbidities, including obesity, smoking, and increased blood pressure trajectory, throughout adolescence into adulthood, and are further specifically associated with metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease in adulthood [10,22,23,24].…”

“…Further, there may be neurobiological underpinnings to the buffering effect of resilience on ACEs. Though ACEs have been associated with neurocognitive impairment, trait resilience is associated with better neurocognitive skills such as non-verbal memory [20,21,97]. Importantly, a limitation to exploring this concept is the assessment of resilience, which in research investigations is done by collecting data on related concepts such as perseverance and self-confidence as assessed by the Connor-Davidson-Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) questionnaire, or other concepts measures like coping, social support, emotional and behavioral reactivity, and compassion [98,99].…”

Comparing the Efficacy of CBASP with Two Versions of CBT for Depression in a Routine Care Center: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…However, it is unclear whether the promising results for CBASP can only be achieved for the subgroup of patients with early-onset, chronic depressive disorder and a history of early adverse events, or for all types of depressed patients. Many features that are considered crucial for CBASP interventions (such as early adverse life events, insecure attachment styles) are also prevalent in episodic depression and even in nondepressed controls [13]. Therefore CBASP could be beneficial for nonchronic subtypes as well, which has never been tested before.…”