Childhood neglect related to depression and substance use
Oct 14, 2012
In an Australian study [LINK], Kylie Bailey, also from the University of Newcastle, where Dore and Mills have done such good work (see previous posts) examining the inter-relationships between childhood trauma, suicidal ideation, and substance use, has examined the role of childhood neglect -- the "dysfunctional parenting" in the title of her paper -- in bringing about trauma, depression, and alcohol use disorders. Download the study here [LINK]
DESIGN AND METHODS:
Participants (n = 221) seeking treatment for coexisting depressive symptoms and alcohol use problems. were recruited. Trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms and PTSD were assessed using the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale. The Measure of Parenting Style assessed dysfunctional parenting (neglect/over-control/abuse) experienced as a child.
RESULTS:
Most participants experienced trauma (71.6%, n = 159), with more than one-third reaching DSM-IV criteria for current PTSD (38.0%, n = 84). Unique to this study was that there were no gender differences in rates of trauma exposure, number of traumatic events and PTSD. More severe PTSD symptoms and PTSD were associated with: childhood neglect; earlier depression onset; more severe depression and alcohol problems; and lower general functioning. More severe problems with alcohol were related to Intrusion and Avoidance symptoms, while severe alcohol dependence symptoms were related to hyperarousal.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
PTSD symptoms and PTSD are highly prevalent in those with coexisting depression and alcohol use problems and are associated with a history of childhood neglect and higher levels of comorbidity. Trauma, PTSD symptoms and PTSD should be assessed and addressed among people seeking treatment for coexisting depression and alcohol problems.
Given the prevalence and significance of this problem, I have requested a copy of her paper from Dr Bailey and will be submitting a more detailed commentary when I receive that. -- in a future revision of this post!