In this review the relevant investigatons of the relationship between childhood maltreatment (CM) and bipolar disorder (BD) will be described. I present the most important features of different trauma forms (physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect). A short overview of the direct and long-term effects of childhood-maltreatment and the consequential neurobiological, neurodevelopmental alterations are summarized. A part of the traumameasurement scales and the hidden effects of trauma examiner scales are demonstrated. The clinical variables of bipolar disorder will be shown in the context of different maltreatment forms. Methodical problems and critical commenst are overviewed as well.