Depression Symptom Trajectories Following Child Maltreatment: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies from Adolescence to Young Adulthood.
Nicola Binks, Kerryann Walsh, Alimila Hayixibayi et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined longitudinal changes in depression symptoms after child maltreatment from adolescence to young adulthood. Searches identified 87 eligible studies, but only 13 assessed symptom change over time. Results were mixed: most of these studies found severe or worsening symptom trajectories, while some identified improvement in subgroups. Across studies, depression symptoms generally remained worse than among people without maltreatment histories. Findings on factors shaping symptom change were inconsistent, although school-related factors showed a consistent influence in the smaller subset examining environmental factors.
Key findings
- Of 87 eligible studies, only 13 examined changes in depression symptoms over time.
- Most studies assessing symptom change found severe or worsening trajectories; some reported improvement in subgroups.
- Across studies, depression symptoms remained relatively worse than in individuals without child maltreatment histories.
- Findings on influencing factors were inconsistent, while school-related environmental factors consistently affected the relationship.
Why it matters
The review indicates that depression after childhood maltreatment may follow varied courses, but symptoms often remain elevated relative to those in people without such histories. Recognising this heterogeneity can inform ongoing assessment during adolescence and young adulthood, while the limited and inconsistent evidence on modifying factors cautions against assuming a uniform trajectory.
What to keep in mind
Only 13 of the 87 included studies examined symptom change, and findings were mixed; evidence on factors influencing trajectories was also inconsistent.