Original Research J Clin Psychiatry July 2009

The Importance of Childhood Trauma and Childhood Life Events for Chronicity of Depression in Adults

JCP 2009;70(7):10.4088/JCP.08m04521

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Some adults with major depressive disorder remain depressed for years, with greater burden and harder-to-treat illness than patients with more episodic courses. This study identifies childhood trauma—not simply childhood life events such as parental loss or divorce—as a clinically useful marker of which depressed adults are more likely to have a chronic course. FAQ Does childhood trauma increase the likelihood that major depressive disorder will become chronic in adulthood?

Key Takeaways In this NESDA sample, 32.8% (n = 395) met the study definition of chronic depression, underscoring how often prolonged depressive burden presents in adults with current major depressive disorder. Clinical Guide How should clinicians assess childhood trauma in adults with major depressive disorder to estimate risk for a chronic depressive course?