Stress and development of depression and heavy drinking in adulthood: moderating effects of childhood trauma - abstract

Purpose

Studies suggest that childhood trauma is linked to both depression and heavy drinking in adulthood, and may create a lifelong vulnerability to stress. Few studies have explored the effects of stress sensitization on the development of depression or heavy drinking among those who have experienced traumatic childhood events. This study aimed to determine the effect of childhood trauma on the odds of experiencing depression or heavy drinking in the face of an adult life stressor, using a large population-based Canadian cohort....

Conclusions

Childhood trauma increases risk for both depression and heavy drinking. Trauma may moderate the effect of stress on depression; the relationship among trauma, stress and heavy drinking is less clear.

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00127-012-0531-8

Stress and development of depression and heavy drinking in adulthood: moderating effects of childhood trauma.