29/12/2025
Using large-scale genomic data 🧬 and the Mendelian randomisation method 🔬, a research team at HKUMed 🏥 showed that childhood maltreatment can cause mental health problems 🧠, raising schizophrenia risk nearly five-fold 📊, ADHD risk up to nine-fold 📈, and major depressive disorder risk up to two-fold 💔. These occur through modifiable pathways 🛤️, including addiction-related, cognitive, and socioeconomic traits; pointing to opportunities ✨ for early intervention 🤝 among children who have experienced maltreatment. Childhood maltreatment also leaves DNA methylation "marks" 🧬✍️ near genes linked to neurodegenerative diseases 🧓, suggesting shared mechanisms 🔗 between neurodegenerative and these neuropsychiatric diseases. The findings highlight that preventing childhood maltreatment 🛡️ is the most fundamental way to protect children 👶, alongside early, targeted support 🎯 for those already affected. By applying Mendelian randomisation 🔬, which sits below RCTs in the hierarchy of evidence 📋, the team was able to uncover causal pathways connecting link childhood maltreatment to these neuropsychiatric diseases 🧠🔍. This work showcases how genomics 🧬 can deliver robust, actionable insights 💪 to tackle complex challenges in paediatrics 👨⚕️ and public health 🌍.
https://www.med.hku.hk/en/news/press/20251216-hkumed-reveals-childhood-maltreatment-raises-schizophrenia-risk-five-fold
