Childhood trauma associations with changes in body mass index over 12 months of treatment in first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders

Abstract

Background

Childhood trauma (CT) is a risk factor for the development of adulthood obesity, both in the general population, and in patients with schizophrenia.

Aim

We examined the associations between CT exposure and visit-wise changes in body mass index (BMI) over 12 months of treatment in patents with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders (FES) (n = 77) compared to matched controls (n = 55). We also examined the moderating effects of socio-demographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors on the relationships between CT exposure and weight gain in patients.

Methods

CT was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. BMI was assessed at baseline in patients and controls and again at regular 3-month intervals in patients. Linear mixed effect models for continuous repeated measures (MMRM) were constructed to examine the effects of CT exposure on visit-wise changes in BMI over time.

Results

Patients had a lower baseline BMI than controls, but were balanced for CT exposure. In patients, but not in controls, more severe childhood emotional abuse (EA) correlated with a higher baseline BMI. Initial MMRM indicated that higher childhood EA was associated with more pronounced weight gain over 12 months in patients. Explorative MMRM indicated that this effect was limited to cannabis non-users, and no longer significant in cannabis users.

Discussion

Cannabis use moderated the association between childhood EA and more pronounced weight gain in FES. Future studies would do well to examine the effects of other risk and resilience factors on the relationships between CT exposure and metabolic syndrome changes in schizophrenia.