Childhood trauma is associated with poorer social functioning in severe mental disorders both during an active illness phase and in remission.

Background: Impaired social functioning is a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum (SZS) and bipolar spectrum disorders (BDS). Childhood traumatic events are more frequent in SZS and BDS than in healthy individuals (HC), and could represent a cumulative risk for reduced social functioning beyond experiencing ongoing clinical symptoms.

Methods: The study comprised 1039 individuals (SZS [n = 348]; BDS [n = 262], and HC [n = 429]).