Childhood Trauma and Psychosis: An Updated Review

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2020 Jan;29(1):115-129. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2019.08.004. Epub 2019 Sep 23.

Abstract

There is growing evidence to support the link between childhood trauma and psychosis. Childhood trauma increases the risk for psychosis and affects severity and type of psychotic symptoms, and frequency of comorbid conditions, including depression and substance use. Childhood trauma is linked to more severe functional impairment in individuals with psychosis. There is evidence to support gender differences in the influence of childhood trauma on the course of psychotic illnesses, appearing to be more profound in girls and women. Other biological markers that may explain the link between childhood trauma and psychosis include brain-derived neurotrophic factor and other inflammatory markers.

Keywords: Childhood abuse; Childhood adversity; Childhood trauma; Psychosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Adult Survivors of Child Adverse Events*
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences*
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child Abuse*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Trauma* / complications
  • Psychological Trauma* / diagnosis
  • Psychological Trauma* / therapy
  • Psychotic Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders* / etiology
  • Psychotic Disorders* / therapy
  • Schizophrenia* / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia* / etiology
  • Schizophrenia* / therapy
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / etiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / therapy
  • Young Adult