Child abuse can lead to severe depression that may even recur in adulthood: researchers

London: Dealing with trauma in childhood can significantly alter the structure of the brain, which can lead to severe depression that may even recur in adulthood, say the researchers. The findings from the MRI images suggest that child abuse and recurrent depression are badociated with similar reductions in the area of ​​the insular cortex, a part of the brain that regulates emotions and self-awareness.

According to this study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, child abuse is one of the most important risk factors for major depression in adulthood.

"Given the impact of the insular cortex on brain function such as emotional awareness, it is possible that the observed changes make patients less susceptible to conventional treatments," said lead researcher Nils Opel of the US. University of Munster in Germany.

The study included 110 patients aged 18 to 60 years old. Of the 75 patients who had a relapse, 48 had one additional episode, seven reported two episodes and six had three episodes. Fourteen had a remission period of less than two months and could therefore be considered to be chronically depressed.

The results are to develop or improve risk-appropriate interventions for people who may have a more adverse clinical outcome in the long term. Future psychiatric research should therefore explore how the results could be translated into special attention, care and treatment likely to improve outcomes for patients, noted the study.