Prevalence and clinical correlates of childhood trauma among inpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder: a matched comparison with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background This study examined whether a particular type of childhood trauma (CT) is more prevalent in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder than in a matched sample of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and whether clinical variables of bipolar disorder are related to CT. Methods Seventy-one inpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder were matched to those diagnosed with schizophrenia for age, sex, and duration of illness. Both groups completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Traumatic Antecedent Questionnaire, the Impact of Events Scale, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale-Taxon. Second, clinical variables at discharge, course variables within one year (relapse, readmission, and time remained in therapy) and medication adherence were investigated for association with trauma types. Results Reported CT and protective factors did not differ between those diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In addition, CT was not related to clinical features, course variables or medication adherence. The only significant correlations found were between childhood emotional neglect and prescription of anxiolytics (p ˂ 0.05) and sleep pills (p ˂ 0.001) at discharge. Conclusions We did not find any particular type of CT that distinguishes bipolar disorder from schizophrenia, implying there is no specific contribution of CT to different psychotic diagnoses. However, some types of trauma may correlate with the prescription of specific psychotropic medication.