Scientists from the University of Manchester found that adults who suffered childhood abuse may be at increased risk for bipolar disorder.
They found the link between experiencing a troubled childhood and subsequently being diagnosed with this serious condition is extremely strong.
The research is published in the British Journal of Psychiatry and was conducted by Filippo Varese et al.
People with bipolar disorder experience emotional extremes—lows and highs—which harm their quality of life and increase suicide risk.
In the study, the team analyzed 19 studies published between 1980 and 2014. They defined childhood adversity as experiencing neglect, abuse, bullying or the loss of a parent before the age of 19.
They found that adults with bipolar disorder were 2.63 times more likely to have been victims of emotional, physical or sexual abuse as children than adults in the general population.
The link with emotional abuse was particularly strong. However, the loss of a parent did not raise the risk significantly.
Much research into the bipolar disorder has focused on bio-genetics. But previous work on schizophrenia led his team to explore the role of childhood adversity in the development of mental illness.
Although the study doesn’t establish a cause-and-effect relationship, the findings could prove important in treating people with bipolar disorder.
The team says handled sensitively, inquiries about a person’s childhood experiences can make a big difference in how treatment proceeds and the types of support that can be put into place.
If you care about mental health, please read studies that defying your body clock may lead to depression, anxiety, and this daily supplement may help lower anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about 9 warning signs you may have severe depression, and drinking tea may cut depression in older people.
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