Work

Latent profile analysis of childhood trauma in Chinese individuals with bipolar disorder: Differential associations with suicidality and clinical symptomatology

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Childhood trauma is a well-established risk factor for poor clinical outcomes in bipolar disorder (BD), yet most studies have relied on cumulative trauma scores, potentially overlooking heterogeneity in trauma exposure and its differential impact on psychopathology. This study employed latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify distinct subtypes of childhood trauma based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) among 725 individuals with BD in a Chinese clinical sample. Differences across trauma profiles were examined in relation to demographic features, psychiatric symptoms (anxiety, depression, mania), and suicidal ideation (Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, BSSI). A four-class solution was identified, and the relationship with mental health outcomes was analyzed. Class 4 group, characterized by the most severe emotional abuse and physical neglect, along with the lowest emotional neglect, reported the highest levels of anxiety (HAMA), depression (HAMD), and suicidal ideation (BSSI). In contrast, manic symptoms (YMRS) were present across all groups but did not differ significantly between trauma profiles. Logistic regression indicated that emotional abuse was the strongest predictor of trauma class membership. Distinct trauma profiles in BD are differentially associated with symptom severity and suicide risk. These findings highlight the clinical value of moving beyond cumulative trauma scores to identify trauma-specific subtypes. Early identification of high-risk trauma configurations may inform personalized assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with BD. • This study apply latent profile analysis to identify distinct trauma subtypes (Low, Moderate, High, Severe Exposure) in a Chinese bipolar disorder cohort, moving beyond cumulative trauma scores. • Emotional/physical abuse increased linearly across severity classes, while emotional neglect and sexual abuse followed non-linear patterns. Emotional abuse emerged as the strongest predictor of trauma subtypes. • The Severe Trauma Exposure group showed the highest levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Manic symptoms did not differ significantly across trauma profiles. • Highlights the need for trauma-specific assessments in bipolar disorder, as heterogeneous trauma profiles correlate with distinct symptom severities and suicide risk. Supports personalized interventions targeting high-risk trauma configurations (e.g., emotional abuse) in bipolar disorder management • Addresses a critical gap in bipolar disorder research by examining culturally specific trauma profiles in a Chinese clinical population.

Source: Journal of Affective Disorders

DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.120490

Authors: Yanmeng Pan, Xingyu Yang, Mian Wu, Shaohua Hu

Institutions: Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Bipolar Disorder and Treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790