Relationship between childhood trauma, functioning, and COVID-19 related worries in bipolar disorder

Introduction: Building upon prior research indicating a varied impact of COVID-19 on bipolar disorder (BD) and a link between childhood trauma history and perception of COVID-19 risk, this study explored the relationship between (1) childhood trauma history and current 'COVID-19 Related Worries', and (2) current 'COVID-19 Related Worries' and functioning. Method(s): 44 adults with BD and 32 HCs completed self-report measures, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), CoRonavIruS health and Impact Survey (CRISIS), WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS), and Social Adjustment Scale Self-Report (SAS-SR). Bivariate correlations by study group were used to determine the relationships between type of childhood trauma, COVID-19 related worries, and functioning. Result(s): The BD sample reported higher mean levels of 'COVID-19 Related Worries' (mean = 12.56) than the HC sample (mean = 9.22). In the BD but not HC sample, childhood physical abuse, physical neglect, and emotional abuse were positively correlated with increased 'COVID-19 Related Worries', but not general worries unrelated to COVID-19. 'COVID-19 Related Worries' score was positively correlated with all WHODAS domains, the SAS-SR 'Family Outside Home' subscale, and the SAS-SR total score for the complete sample. Conclusion(s): These findings indicate that COVID-19 related worries may impact functioning in individuals with BD and HCs. For individuals with BD, childhood trauma may influence perceptions of COVID-19. As the pandemic is ongoing, more information about factors that impact attitudes towards COVID-19 may help provide insight into how treatments may reduce worries and anxieties surrounding the pandemic.