Childhood abuse linked to adult depression

A neurobiological research suggests that kids subjected to emotional battering and physical abuse may undergo structural brain changes that propel them towards the path of depression. Emotional stress during childhood due to negligence, physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, exploitation, pressure by parents and peers, tension because of poor performances at school and comparison with siblings or friends can result in potentially harming the child’s health, development and dignity.

In an effort to explore the impact of traumatic experiences on the development and function of the brain, the researchers enrolled 24 patients aged between 18-65 years who were diagnosed with major depressive symptoms.

All the participants were examined with high-resolution MRI and special analysis program to gauge their brain areas. In addition, mental disturbances related to childhood traumatic experiences were assessed.

The patients were then compared with 27 healthy control subjects from the local community who were similar in age and gender. This improved neurobiological understanding shows how stress and genetic variants interact and affect brain structure and function. In turn it demonstrates how it could affect a person's propensity for depression. These structural alterations of the brain are associated with a higher vulnerability to depression and a more chronic course of the depression might be associated with further structural changes.

According to the researchers, the study provides an insight into the role of childhood adversities and genetic factors to the onset of clinical depression as an adult.

The findings also underline the need for a better understanding of different mechanisms of abuse with implications for early intervention and treatment of depressive moods. Fortunately, depression can be treated very well by psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. Moreover, prevention strategies for childhood neglect and misuse are highly important to increase public health and to avoid in later life for these individuals, the burden of major depression.