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

There is an increasingly impressive database concerning the long-term neuro biological consequences of untoward life events early in life, eg, child ab use and neglect, loss of parents. Such alterations appear to increase vulne rability to several major psychiatric disorders including affective and anx iety disorders. In the current issue, a case control study by Agid and coll eagues provides further evidence for such an association.