Specificity of developmental precursors to schizophrenia and affective disorders

Developmental precursors to adult disorder suggest that components of their causes operate in early life. Several birth cohort studies have relevant p rospective data and are reporting results for schizophrenia and affective d isorder. These studies suggest that developmental findings are not specific for schizophrenia, although the magnitude of effects tends to be greater c ompared with affective disorder. These findings are reviewed and some metho dological issues discussed. Apparent lack of specificity may mask underlyin g unique mechanisms and causes. In terms of a future public health perspect ive involving prediction and prevention, a lack of specificity may be advan tageous. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.