Childhood adversity in patients suffering from depression with a focus on differences across gender

Abstract

Context: Childhood adversity is highly prevalent and is associated with depression. Aims: The aim of the study is to assess the occurrence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in male and female patients suffering from depression, measure its relationship with the severity of depression, and evaluate the association of factors across gender. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Subjects and Methods: A total of 100 adult depressed patients were evaluated to calculate the severity of depression and the ACE score. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and binary logistic regression. Results: One or more categories of ACEs were reported in 70% of male and 68% of female patients. The most common was violence between adults in the household and physical abuse. In male patients, there was a significant association between severity of depression and experiencing three or more categories of childhood adversity (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Childhood adversity occurs frequently and is associated with severity of depression in the male cohort.