The Role of Childhood Trauma in Major Depressive Disorder: A Review of Pathophysiological and Psychopathological Aspects

Abstract

Major depressive illness can arise from a multitude of sources, such as a mix of hereditary variables, chemical alterations in the brain, stressful life events, and other environmental and psychosocial factors. Childhood trauma is a prevalent source of psychological distress and encompasses instances of abuse and neglect. This literature review seeks to investigate childhood trauma as a contributing factor to the emergence of major depressive disorder (MDD). Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) link childhood stress to atypical tissue structure. Prior research has identified alterations in the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have experienced childhood trauma. Researchers have specifically observed these changes in the left insula, right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral amygdala, and orbitals. People with serious depressive disorders can use increased cortisol levels after waking up as a biological indicator. Childhood trauma frequently correlates with several signs of psychopathology, such as depression, somatization, and alexithymia. Alexithymia, a condition characterized by difficulty expressing emotions, can impede the recovery process in patients with significant depression. This difficulty in effectively conveying their feelings to mental health experts can delay the development of appropriate treatment plans and management strategies. In conclusion, childhood trauma contributes to the occurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and intensifies the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms.