Childhood trauma and quality of life among alcohol dependent men

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate possible relationships between childhood trauma (abuse and/or neglect) and impairment of quality of life (QoL) in adulthood among alcohol dependent men. Methods: Partici-pants were 156 male patients consecutively admitted to an alcohol dependency treatment inpatient unit. All patients were investigated using the Childhood Abuse and Neglect Questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist-Revised, the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) and the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey-Short Form (SF-36). Results: The traumatized group (n=99, 63.5%) reported self-mutilative behavior, suicide attempts, and alcohol use among family members more frequently than those without a childhood trauma history. The traumatized group was younger and had elevated scores on anxiety, depression, and MAST, whereas they had lower QoL scores. Childhood trauma history predicted impairment in vitality and mental health subscales and mental health dimension of QoL. Anxiety was the main significant covariant for physical dimension, whereas depression was the main significant covariant for mental dimension of QoL. Conclusions: Childhood trauma has a negative impact on QoL in adulthood, particularly on mental components among alcohol dependent men. Self-destructive behavior, early problematic alcohol use and depression are significant mediators of this relationship. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2011; 12(4.000): 245-252]