Child abuse and poor functioning in the UHR group

What is it about?

Abuse during childhood is a risk factor for a range of mental health problems and psychiatric disorders. In this study we found that it also predicted ability to function in day to day life in those at high risk for a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia. This is the first study to find such a link. Clearly prevention of child abuse must be a goal. But we must also recognise that people seeking help from mental health services have a high likelihood of having been abused and we should take this into account when treating them.

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Why is it important?

Our study also raises questions about the underlying causes of psychotic illnesses and the link between childhood abuse, chronic stress, and the effect of chronic stress on the developing brain. The effect of abuse on personality and ways of seeing the world are also important. In the paper we speculate about possible different pathways to psychosis - psychosocial, neurodevelopmental and the possible additive effects of the two.