Childhood upbringing linked to mental health conditions

A new study has drawn links between childhood mistreatment and later mental health issues. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

The impact of child abuse and neglect in Australia causes nearly half of common mental health conditions, a study has found. 

A University of Sydney study found childhood maltreatment accounted for 41 per cent of suicide attempts in the nation, 35 per cent of cases of self-harm and 21 per cent of depression.