Childhood Adversity Increases Risk for Psychotic Disorder

Many studies have established the role of childhood adversity in increasing risks for mood, anxiety, and addictive disorders, but few studies have explored its role in psychotic disorder. In a U.K., population-based, case-control study, investigators analyzed extensive data on frequency and severity of various types of adversity in 374 adults with first-episode psychosis and in 301 controls without psychosis histories.

The researchers used structured interviews to minimize recall biases and some random sampling to minimize underestimates resulting from nonparticipation by traumatized subjects. All forms of adversity studied (household discord; psychological, physical, and sexual abuse; and bullying) were more frequent in patients than contro…