Childhood trauma and physical health in bipolar disorder

What was studied: People with bipolar disorder often develop weight gain, blood sugar problems and heart risks. Researchers followed 305 adults with bipolar disorder for three years, with 13 check-ups along the way. They compared people who reported trauma in childhood with people who did not, and tracked blood sugar, weight, blood fats and a blood marker of inflammation.

What they found: Over three years, every one of these measures got worse faster in people who had experienced childhood trauma. By the end, their long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) had risen about 1.1 points more, and their BMI about 4.5 points more, than in people without childhood trauma. Their inflammation marker and blood fats also moved in the wrong direction. The differences were large.

Why it matters: It suggests childhood trauma may be one reason some people with bipolar disorder are at higher risk of metabolic problems. Asking about past trauma could help care teams spot who may need closer attention to physical health early on.

Honest limits: This was an observational study, so it shows a link, not cause and effect. The authors note they didn't measure several things that affect metabolic health, such as lifestyle, money and living conditions, and parts of illness history. About 1 in 6 people dropped out before the end.

Read the original: Galvez-Florez et al., Brain and Behavior (2026): https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.71789

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