Promises and pitfalls in the development of biomarkers that can promote early intervention in children at risk

The cost to individuals and to society of psychopathology that emerges in childhood is substantial. Children whose problems are undiagnosed or inadequately treated struggle in school, experience rejection by peers, and become a source of stress for caregivers and teachers. As adults, their mental health problems tend to recur and their cognitive difficulties persist. Clinicians hold a well-founded belief that early identification of children who are at risk for psychopathology is the key to prevention.