Childhood trauma and cognitive functioning in mood disorders: A systematic review

Cognitive impairment is a core feature of mood disorders and has been identified as an important treatment target. A better understanding of the factors contributing to cognitive impairment in mood disorders would be beneficial in developing interventions to address cognitive impairment. One key factor is childhood trauma. The aim of this review was to systematically synthesise and review research examining associations between reported childhood trauma and cognitive functioning in mood disorders.

Studies in adult samples examining the relationship between objective cognitive function and reported childhood trauma in major depressive disorder and/or bipolar disorder (in-episode or euthymia) were identified. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO until January 2022. A narrative review technique was used due to the heterogeneity of group comparisons, cognitive tests and data analysis across studies.

Seventeen studies met the criteria for inclusion (mood disorders N = 1723, healthy controls N = 797). Evidence for childhood trauma being related to poorer cognitive functioning was consistent across global cognitive functioning and executive function domains for euthymic patients and psychomotor speed for in-episode patients. There was mixed evidence for verbal learning and memory and executive function for in-episode patients. Identification of patterns within other domains was difficult due to limited number of studies.

Findings from this review suggest childhood trauma is associated with poorer cognitive functioning in people with mood disorders. Targeted interventions to improve cognition may be warranted for this group.