Decoding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on the progression of schizophrenia

In conclusion, individuals at risk and with manifest schizophrenia experienced substantial childhood maltreatment, as reported for other diagnoses. The present findings suggest childhood adversities as sensitizing (environmental) factor in vulnerable individuals. Lower hair cortisol concentration may indicate lasting effects of past stress experiences on stress axis function in schizophrenia, which might modulate unfolding psychopathology.
Source: Mental Health and Prevention - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research