In the general population, prevalence rates of childhood trauma range from 8.4% for physical abuse, to 17.5% for psychological abuse, with much higher rates in patient samples.1 Trauma in childhood is a developmental risk factor with a negative impact across adulthood and substantially contributes to the burden of disease worldwide.2 Childhood trauma is not only associated with presence of affective disorders.3 One meta-analysis showed that childhood maltreatment predicted persistence of depression, recurrence of depression and worse treatment outcomes (OR 2.34, 2.24 and 1.40, respectively).4 To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details