Remission from Depression Much Slower in Adults Who Were Abused in Childhood

A recent study published in the journal of Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that remission from depression is delayed in adults who have experienced childhood physical abuse of parental addictions. Depressed individuals were followed every other year until remission occurred, for up the 12 years. The leading author of the study explained how early adversities in life have far-reaching consequences, which make those who have experienced some form of abuse more susceptible to depression. Although this study could not determine why childhood adversities are associated with poor depression outcomes, the researchers speculate that negative experiences may interrupt the normal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which effects stress regulation. To read more about this study, click here.