Childhood trauma and dissociation in patients with panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Part 1: Relationships between demographic, clinical, and psychological factors

Abstract

Introduction: Panic disorder (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are associated with various psychosocial factors that may influence their onset and psychopathology. Dissociation encompasses a wide range of manifestations, from benign experiences to severe mental health issues. Research comparing childhood trauma and dissociation, general psychopathology, and the onset of the disorder among patients with PD, OCD, and BPD has not yet been published.

Results: The severity of dissociative symptoms negatively correlated with the onset of the disorder, whereas it positively correlated with the disorder's overall severity and general symptomatology. Patients with more severe childhood trauma had an earlier onset of the disorder and more severe depressive and dissociative symptoms. They rated higher on the overall severity of the disorder. Physical abuse and neglect were associated with more severe PD, OCD, and BPD. Patients with BPD had higher levels of dissociation than those with PD or OCD. BPD was also connected with more severe childhood trauma than PD and OCD patients. Comorbidity exacerbated the severity of the psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions: Childhood trauma and dissociation play a significant role in anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with PD, OCD, and BPD.