According to a new study by professors at U of T, individuals who suffered abuse as children show hindered recovery from depression as adults. Co-author Professor Emertiti Tahany M. Gadalla explains, “three quarters of individuals [in this study of 1, 128 individuals] were no longer depressed after two years.” However, in the group of adults who suffered abuse as children, these rates were not seen.
Lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson says, “The average time to recovery from depression was nine months longer for adults who had been physically abused during their childhood and about five months longer for those whose parents had addiction problems.” It has already been established that children who suffer abuse have a much higher chance of depression as adults. However, this study illustrates another effect.
Although there is no definite answer as to why this may be occurring, some speculate that it could be because negative experiences may inhibit the typical development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA Axis). Co-author Sarah Brennenstuhl explains, “This link is an important avenue for future research.” This is just another reason why child abuse is such an important issue. A child’s brain is so sensitive that negative influences can affect development, and their future in unexpected ways.
