Specific and cumulative lifetime stressors in the aetiology of major depression: A longitudinal community-based population study
Yingying Su, Carl D’Arcy, M. Li, Kieran J. O’Donnell, Jean Caron, Michael J. Meaney, Xiangfei Meng
Abstract
Early-life stressful circumstances (i.e. childhood maltreatment) coupled with stressful events later in life increase the likelihood of subsequent depression. However, very few studies have been conducted to examine the specific and cumulative effects of these stressors in the development of depression. There is also a paucity of research that simultaneously considers the role of biological factors combined with psychosocial stressors in the aetiology of depression. Guided by the biopsychosocial model proposed by Engel, the present study aims to examine to what extent the experience of stressors across the lifespan is associated with depression while taking into account the role of genetic predispositions.