Childhood maltreatment and characteristics of adult depression: Meta-analysis. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nelson, Janna; Klumparendt, Anne; Doebler, Philipp; Ehring, Thomas
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 210:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.115.180752
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Childhood maltreatment has been discussed as a risk factor for the development and maintenance of depression. Aims: To examine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and adult depression with regard to depression incidence, severity, age at onset, course of illness and treatment response. Method: We conducted meta-analyses of original articles reporting an association between childhood maltreatment and depression outcomes in adult populations. Results: In total, 184 studies met inclusion criteria. Nearly half of patients with depression reported a history of childhood maltreatment. Maltreated individuals were 2.66 (95% CI 2.38–2.98) to 3.73 (95% CI 2.88–4.83) times more likely to develop depression in adulthood, had an earlier depression onset and were twice as likely to develop chronic or treatment-resistant depression. Depression severity was most prominently linked to childhood emotional maltreatment. Conclusions: Childhood maltreatment, especially emotional abuse and neglect, represents a risk factor for severe, early-onset, treatment-resistant depression with a chronic course.