Gehirnscans zeigen bei einigen depressiven Patienten einen bipolaren Zusammenhang mit Kindheitstraumata. Dieser Zusammenhang bestand auch bei depressiven Patienten, die Auswirkungen waren jedoch weniger ausgeprägt und strukturell unterschiedlich.

>A neuroimaging study in Italy found that patients with bipolar disorder reporting more adverse childhood experiences tended to have worse integrity of brain white matter. This association was present in depressed patients as well, but the effects were less pronounced and structurally different. The research was [published](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2025.11.011) in European Neuropsychopharmacology.

>Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood and can affect a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological development. The concept was popularized by the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, which examined how early life stress relates to later health outcomes.

>ACEs commonly include experiences such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence. They can also involve household dysfunction, such as living with a family member who has substance abuse problems, mental illness, or who has been incarcerated.

>These experiences can disrupt a child’s sense of safety and stability and may lead to chronic stress during critical developmental periods. Prolonged exposure to stress in childhood can influence the developing brain and stress-regulation systems in the body. Research has shown that individuals with higher numbers of ACEs have a greater risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

>ACEs have also been associated with increased risk of chronic physical health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, the presence of supportive relationships and protective environments can buffer the negative effects of adverse experiences.