The role of childhood abuse in chronic depression

An innovative study published by Eva-Lotta Brakemeier and her Group shed new light on the role of childhood abuse in chronic depression and borderline personality disorder. Numerous studies report that childhood maltreatment constitutes a risk factor for mental disorders including major depression and borderline personality disorder. However, studies investigating the occurrence of childhood maltreatment among mental disorders and comparing differences in severity are rare.

This study compared patients with , chronic depression, episodic depression, and healthy controls. Results show that all patient groups reported higher childhood abuse compared to healthy individuals. Patients with borderline personality disorder reported a higher rates of childhood maltreatment compared to both depressed patient groups.

These results underscore the importance of considering for borderline personality disorders, being reported by 92 percent of patients. This is particularly important considering that several studies have shown to be an influential environmental factor in the development of borderline personality disorder.

More information: Eva-Lotta Brakemeier et al. Childhood Maltreatment in Women with Borderline Personality Disorder, Chronic Depression, and Episodic Depression, and in Healthy Controls, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (2018). DOI: 10.1159/000484481

Journal information: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
Provided by Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
Citation: The role of childhood abuse in chronic depression (2018, March 8) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-03-role-childhood-abuse-chronic-depression.html
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