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Are There Associations Between Early Emotional Trauma and Anxiety Disorders? Evidence from a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 July 2015

V. Fernandes  and
F.L. Osório
V. Fernandes
Affiliation:
Department of neurosciences and behavior, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, university of São Paulo, 3900, avenida dos Bandeirantes, CEP 14048-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
F.L. Osório*
Affiliation:
Department of neurosciences and behavior, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, university of São Paulo, 3900, avenida dos Bandeirantes, CEP 14048-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil Technology Institute (INCT, CNPq) for Translational Medicine, Brazil
*
*Corresponding author. 3900, avenida dos Bandeirantes, CEP 14048-900, Ribeiraão Preto, Saã Paulo, Brazil. Tel.: ++55 16 360 227 03. E-mail address: flaliosorio@ig.com.br (F.L. Osá rio).
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Abstract

Background

Previous studies indicate a possible association between early emotional trauma (EET) and the development of anxiety disorders (ADs) in adult life. However, no previous studies have compiled the findings of such studies and analyzed their statistical significance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine possible associations between EET and three ADs (panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety disorders).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scielo with no publication date limitations. A total of 2127 studies were found, 32 studies of which were selected for the systematic review and 13 studies of which were selected for the meta-analysis.

Results

High prevalence rates of different EETs were observed among the individuals with ADs (median: 18%–45%). The results of the meta-analysis indicated that individuals with EETs were 1.9- to 3.6-fold more likely to develop ADs compared with a control group of healthy individuals. Emotional traumas were the main risk factor for social anxiety disorder. However, no specific associations were found for the other ADs.

Conclusions

EET is a risk factor for ADs, underscoring the importance of preventive measures to combat the development of these disorders. Moreover, the identification of EETs among patients with ADs is essential for implementing remedial measures to minimize the impact and damage arising from this association by decreasing the risk and severity of symptoms and to improve the response rate to treatment of ADs.

Keywords

AnxietyEarly emotional traumaMeta-analysisPanicGeneralized anxietySocial anxiety
Type
Review
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 30 , Issue 6 , September 2015 , pp. 756 - 764
Copyright
Copyright © Elsevier Masson SAS 2015

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