This book provides an overview of the interplay between epigenetics and mental health, examining how environmental exposures influence gene expression and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of stress, trauma and social environments in shaping epigenetic processes linked to psychiatric vulnerability and brain health.

The first part of the volume focuses on developmental epigenetics and early life experiences, including prenatal stress, adversity, trauma and socioeconomic inequalities. Chapters explore their association with DNA methylation, socio-emotional development and mental health disparities, while also considering implications for prevention, intervention and public policy.

The second part addresses epigenetic mechanisms in adult mental health conditions and clinical applications. Topics include mood disorders, substance use disorder, psychosis and the epigenetic effects of psychiatric treatments, as well as Prader–Willi syndrome and epigenetic aging as models for understanding lifelong brain health.

Part of the Epigenetics and Human Health series, this volume offers an interdisciplinary resource for researchers and graduate students in psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, genetics and public health.

Gillian Ragsdale obtained her Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology, working on genomic imprinting and cognition, from the University of Cambridge (UK). Gillian was an Associate Lecturer in mental health and psychology at the Open University before returning to Cambridge as a Teaching Associate in biological anthropology. Gillian’s primary interests are in gene environment interaction, especially epigenetics, relating to social neuroscience, mental health and chronic disease.