Relationship between childhood adversity and bipolar affective disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmier-Claus, J. E.; Berry, K.; Bucci, S.; Mansell, W.; Varese, F.
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 209:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 459
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.115.179655
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The relationship between childhood adversity and bipolar affective disorder remains unclear. Aims: To understand the size and significance of this effect through a statistical synthesis of reported research. Method: Search terms relating to childhood adversity and bipolar disorder were entered into Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Eligible studies included a sample diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a comparison sample and a quantitative measure of childhood adversity. Results: In 19 eligible studies childhood adversity was 2.63 times (95% CI 2.00–3.47) more likely to have occurred in bipolar disorder compared with non-clinical controls. The effect of emotional abuse was particularly robust (OR = 4.04, 95% CI 3.12–5.22), but rates of adversity were similar to those in psychiatric controls. Conclusions: Childhood adversity is associated with bipolar disorder, which has implications for the treatment of this clinical group. Further prospective research could clarify temporal causality and explanatory mechanisms.