Timing of childhood adversity is associated with unique epigenetic patterns in adolescents

Childhood adversity—circumstances that threaten a child's physical or psychological well-being—has long been associated with poorer physical and mental health throughout life, such as greater risks of developing cardiac disease, cancer, or depression. It remains unclear, however, when and how the effects of childhood adversity become biologically embedded to influence health outcomes in children, adolescents, and adults.