New research has found a link between trauma and schizophrenia. The findings by researchers from Britain, the Netherlands and Auckland show traumatic life experiences may trigger psychotic disorders.
The researchers looked at cases of young people who experienced physical and sexual abuse, neglect and bullying.
They found that children who experience trauma before the age of 16 are about three times more likely to become psychotic in adulthood.
In cases of severe trauma, the risk was about 50 times greater.
The researchers say schizophrenia has traditionally been associated with biological factors but life experiences now need to be taken into account as well.
