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Original Article
Impact of Multiple Types of Childhood Trauma Exposure on Risk of Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Alcoholic Inpatients
Article first published online: 15 MAR 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01695.x
Copyright © 2012 by the Research Society on Alcoholism
Additional Information
How to Cite
Huang, M.-C., Schwandt, M. L., Ramchandani, V. A., George, D. T. and Heilig, M. (2012), Impact of Multiple Types of Childhood Trauma Exposure on Risk of Psychiatric Comorbidity Among Alcoholic Inpatients. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 36: 598–606. doi: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01695.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 1 JUN 2012
- Article first published online: 15 MAR 2012
- Manuscript Accepted: 24 OCT 2011
- Manuscript Received: 10 JUN 2011
Funded by
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- ational Institute of Health
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Childhood Trauma;
- Alcohol Dependence;
- Psychiatric Comorbidity;
- Suicide
Background
This study examined the prevalence of single- and multiple-type childhood trauma exposure (CTE) among alcoholic patients undergoing inpatient detoxification and treatment. The relationships between various types of CTE and lifetime psychiatric comorbidities and suicide attempts were also explored.
Methods
A total of 196 alcoholic inpatients were assessed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) for CTE history.
Results
The overall prevalence of CTE in the entire sample was high (55.1%). Specifically, the prevalence of emotional abuse was 21.4%, physical abuse 31.1%, sexual abuse 24.0%, emotional neglect 20.4%, and physical neglect 19.9%. Regarding multiple types of CTE, 31.7 and 18.9% reported at least 2 and at least 3 CTE types, respectively. Strikingly, among those with at least 1 positive CTQ category, more than half reported 2 or more CTE types. A history of emotional abuse increased the risk of mood disorder, in particular major depressive disorder, as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Physical abuse contributed to the prediction of suicide attempts, while sexual abuse was associated with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, PTSD, and multiple comobidities (e.g., anxiety and mood disorder). The number of reported CTE types or the total score of the CTQ predicted an increased risk of having single or multiple psychiatric comorbidities as well as suicide attempts.
Conclusions
We observed high rates of a broad range of CTE types and a trend for CTE-specific enhancement of risk for various psychiatric outcomes among alcoholic inpatients. Of note, a dose–response relationship between number of CTE types and risk of psychiatric comorbidities as well as suicide attempts was found. We suggest a wide range of CTE should be included when exploring the effects of CTE or developing prevention and treatment strategies among alcoholic subjects.