Trauma exposure among individuals with mood disorders: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary psychiatric facility in Uganda.

Abstract

Background: Mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), are prevalent psychiatric conditions globally. Exposure to trauma has been shown to exacerbate the severity and chronicity of mood disorders. In low-resource settings like Uganda, where trauma exposure is widespread and mental health services are limited, understanding the trauma-mood disorder relationship is essential but under-researched.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and typology of trauma exposure among individuals with mood disorders attending a tertiary psychiatry unit in Uganda and to explore correlates of trauma history.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 adults diagnosed with mood disorders at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital between April and June 2023. Participants were assessed for trauma exposure using the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire (SLESQ), and suicidality was evaluated using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression.

Results: Among 221 participants, 72.0% reported lifetime trauma, most commonly crime-related events (95.6%). Physical abuse was significantly more common in bipolar disorder than in major depression. Older age and family history of suicide attempt independently predicted trauma exposure.

Conclusion: Trauma exposure, especially crime-related, is highly prevalent among Ugandan patients with mood disorders. Findings highlight the need for routine trauma screening and trauma-informed care in psychiatric services.