Childhood Trauma in Depressive Disorders

TY - CHAP

T1 - Childhood Trauma in Depressive Disorders

AU - Aas, Monica

AU - Etain, Bruno

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020.

PY - 2020/1/1

Y1 - 2020/1/1

N2 - This chapter will discuss the role of childhood trauma in major depressive disorder (MDD). The chapter contributes with new understanding of the negative consequences of early life stress, as well as setting childhood trauma in a biological context of susceptibility and discussing novel long-term pathophysiological consequences in MDD. Childhood traumatic events are risk factors for developing MDD, in addition to a more severe clinical presentation over time (primarily an earlier age at onset and an increased risk of suicide attempt and comorbid illnesses). The importance of investigated childhood trauma in MDD is demonstrated by worse treatment response in individuals with childhood trauma than in non-traumatized individuals with MDD. Childhood trauma leads to alterations of affective regulation, impulse control, and cognitive functioning that might decrease the ability to cope with later stressors. Epigenetic factors may be involved in the neurobiological consequences of childhood trauma in MDD. Biological sequelae such as chronic inflammation, HPA axis abnormalities, sleep disturbances, or telomere shortening might be potential mediators of the negative effects of childhood trauma in MDD, including poorer physical health. The main clinical implication is to systematically assess childhood trauma in patients with MDD, or at least in those with a severe or instable illness course. The challenge for the next years will be to fill the gap between clinical and fundamental research and routine clinical practice. Recommendations for managing this specific population clearly need more attention.

AB - This chapter will discuss the role of childhood trauma in major depressive disorder (MDD). The chapter contributes with new understanding of the negative consequences of early life stress, as well as setting childhood trauma in a biological context of susceptibility and discussing novel long-term pathophysiological consequences in MDD. Childhood traumatic events are risk factors for developing MDD, in addition to a more severe clinical presentation over time (primarily an earlier age at onset and an increased risk of suicide attempt and comorbid illnesses). The importance of investigated childhood trauma in MDD is demonstrated by worse treatment response in individuals with childhood trauma than in non-traumatized individuals with MDD. Childhood trauma leads to alterations of affective regulation, impulse control, and cognitive functioning that might decrease the ability to cope with later stressors. Epigenetic factors may be involved in the neurobiological consequences of childhood trauma in MDD. Biological sequelae such as chronic inflammation, HPA axis abnormalities, sleep disturbances, or telomere shortening might be potential mediators of the negative effects of childhood trauma in MDD, including poorer physical health. The main clinical implication is to systematically assess childhood trauma in patients with MDD, or at least in those with a severe or instable illness course. The challenge for the next years will be to fill the gap between clinical and fundamental research and routine clinical practice. Recommendations for managing this specific population clearly need more attention.

KW - Childhood trauma

KW - Clinical features

KW - Major depressive disorder

KW - Risk factor

KW - Treatment

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85150572642&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1007/978-3-030-49414-8_9

DO - 10.1007/978-3-030-49414-8_9

M3 - Chapter

AN - SCOPUS:85150572642

SN - 9783030494131

SP - 161

EP - 184

BT - Childhood Trauma in Mental Disorders

PB - Springer International Publishing

ER -