Childhood trauma and depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder: A network analysis

Abstract

Background Childhood trauma is related to an increased number of depressive episodes and more severe depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. The evaluation of the networks of depressive symptoms—or the patterns of relationships between individual symptoms—among people with bipolar disorder with and without a history of childhood trauma may assist in further clarifying this complex relationship. Methods Data from over 500 participants from the Heinz C. Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder were used to construct a series of regularised Gaussian Graphical Models. The networks of individual depressive symptoms—self‐reported (Patient Health Questionnaire—9; n = 543) and clinician‐rated (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale—17; n = 529)—among participants with bipolar disorder with and without a history of childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) were characterised and compared. Results Across the sets of networks, depressed mood consistently emerged as a central symptom (as indicated by strength centrality and expected influence); regardless of participants' history of childhood trauma. Additionally, feelings of worthlessness emerged as a key symptom in the network of self‐reported depressive symptoms among participants with—but not without—a history of childhood trauma. Conclusion The present analyses—although exploratory—provide nuanced insights into the impact of childhood trauma on the presentation of depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder, which have the potential to aid detection and inform targeted intervention development.

Self-concept mediates the relationships between childhood traumatic experiences and adolescent depression in both clinical and community samples

“…Childhood trauma encompasses various forms, such as emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect and physical neglect [ 11 ]. Numerous studies have examined the impact of childhood trauma on depression, with consistent findings showing that more experiences of childhood trauma are associated with more severe depressive symptoms [ 12 – 14 ]. Three distinct models, each with different conceptual and statistical approaches, have been proposed for childhood trauma [ 15 ]: cumulative risk, individual risk (specificity), and the Dimensional Model of Adversity and Psychopathology [ 16 ]– the last one is beyond the scope of this study as it focuses on neurobiological mechanisms.…”

Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Parenting Styles, and Family Accommodation on Patients Diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“… 12 Recently, researchers have found differential associations between abusive and neglectful experiences with brain function in adulthood, 13 and the negative impact of childhood trauma on the number of depressive episodes and depressive symptoms has been confirmed in patients with bipolar disorder. 14 In addition, childhood trauma is associated with decreased resilience, higher depressive symptoms, and ultimately a higher suicide risk. 15 …”

The Influencing Factors and Bridge Relationships of PTSD and Depression Symptoms among Snakebite Victims: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Survey

“…The independent analysis of the factors in uencing PTSD and depression overlooks the complex interrelationships between them. Network analysis enables the exploration of bridge symptoms (The symptoms that connect the two mental disorders) and the interrelations between PTSD and depression.. Studies have developed symptom networks for different populations, such as patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, individuals with bipolar disorder, and patients with acute PTSD, to identify the complex relationships between various disease symptoms [12][13][14] . A network analysis of 1,489 veterans seeking treatment found meaningful connections between PTSD and depression [15] .…”