BACKGROUND: Childhood abuse negatively impacts the course of Bipolar Disorder (BD). Yet, no study has examined risk factors associated with prospectively evaluated physical/sexual abuse, specifically, those preceding first abuse among BD youth. We investigate past/intake/follow-up factors preceding first physical/sexual abuse among BD youth. METHODS: Childhood-onset BD participants (n = 279 youth, mean age at intake = 12, mean length of follow-up = 12 years) enrolled in the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth (COBY) study. Demographic, clinical and family history variables were assessed every 7 months on average using Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation and Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-PL). Abuse was evaluated at intake using the K-SADS-PL, over follow-up with a Traumatic Events Screen. Family psychopathology was assessed using Family History Screen/Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic Statistical Manual-IV. RESULTS: Fifteen-percent of youth reported new-onset abuse during follow-up (62% physical, 26% sexual; 12% both). Intake predictors included more severe depressive symptoms (HR = 1.29), low socioeconomic-status (SES) in families with substance abuse (HR = 0.84) (physical abuse), and female sex (HR = 2.41) (sexual abuse). Follow-up predictors preceding physical abuse included: older age (HR = 1.42), disruptive disorders (HR = 1.39), and the interaction between low SES and family substance abuse (HR = 0.86). For sexual abuse, female sex (HR = 4.33) and a non-biologically related father presence in the household (HR = 2.76). Good relationships with friends (prospectively evaluated) protected against physical/sexual abuse (HR = 0.72/0.70, respectively). LIMITATIONS: Prospective data was gathered longitudinally but assessed retrospectively at every follow-up; perpetrator information and abuse severity were not available. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying factors temporally preceding new onset physical/sexual abuse may hold promise for identifying high-risk youth with BD.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to severe Traumatic Events (TEs) has been associated with poor course and outcomes among individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD). However, there is limited research on TEs among youth with BD, and few studies are longitudinal. This study prospectively followed a large sample of BD youth, examining the associations of lifetime TEs with their mood and functioning. METHODS: BD participants (n=375; mean age=17; range 8-25y) were assessed, on average, every 7 months for a median 8.7 years. Psychopathology and lifetime trauma history were prospectively evaluated using the Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation, and a traumatic events screening. RESULTS: Accounting for covariates, participants with one or more lifetime TEs (84%) showed earlier BD onset, poorer psychosocial functioning, worse mood symptoms, and more suicidal ideation, comorbidities, and family psychopathology than those without TEs. TEs during recovery periods increased recurrence risk (p<0.02). More TEs were associated with poorer mood course, particularly among victims of violence/abuse (p<0.02). Abused participants (34% physical; 17% sexual) showed earlier onset of substance use disorders, more suicidality and comorbidities compared to those without abuse. Comparisons of mood course before and after abuse occurred, and with participants without abuse, showed worsening mood symptoms after, specifically hypo/mania (p<0.03). LIMITATIONS: Prospective data was gathered longitudinally but assessed retrospectively at every follow-up; given approximate dates causality cannot be inferred; TEs severity was not assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Severe TEs, particularly abuse, were associated with poorer course and outcomes among BD youth. Prompt screening of trauma and early intervention may be warranted to minimize TEs impact.

Background

Exposure to severe Traumatic Events (TEs) has been associated with poor course and outcomes among individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD). However, there is limited research on TEs among youth with BD, and few studies are longitudinal. This study prospectively followed a large sample of BD youth, examining the associations of lifetime TEs with their mood and functioning.

Methods

BD participants (n=375; mean age=17; range 8-25y) were assessed, on average, every 7 months for a median 8.7 years. Psychopathology and lifetime trauma history were prospectively evaluated using the Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation, and a traumatic events screening.

Results

Accounting for covariates, participants with one or more lifetime TEs (84%) showed earlier BD onset, poorer psychosocial functioning, worse mood symptoms, and more suicidal ideation, comorbidities, and family psychopathology than those without TEs. TEs during recovery periods increased recurrence risk (p<0.02). More TEs were associated with poorer mood course, particularly among victims of violence/abuse (p<0.02). Abused participants (34% physical; 17% sexual) showed earlier onset of substance use disorders, more suicidality and comorbidities compared to those without abuse. Comparisons of mood course before and after abuse occurred, and with participants without abuse, showed worsening mood symptoms after, specifically hypo/mania (p<0.03).

Limitations

Prospective data was gathered longitudinally but assessed retrospectively at every follow-up; given approximate dates causality cannot be inferred; TEs severity was not assessed.

Conclusions

Severe TEs, particularly abuse, were associated with poorer course and outcomes among BD youth. Prompt screening of trauma and early intervention may be warranted to minimize TEs impact.