The preeminent role of early untoward experience on vulnerability to major psychiatric disorders: the nature-nurture controversy revisited and soon to be resolved

Abstract

There is an increasingly impressive database concerning the long-term neurobiological consequences of untoward life events early in life, eg, child abuse and neglect, loss of parents. Such alterations appear to increase vulnerability to several major psychiatric disorders including affective and anxiety disorders. In the current issue, a case control study by Agid and colleagues provides further evidence for such an association.