How does the social environment 'get into the mind'? Epigenetics at the intersection of social and psychiatric epidemiology

► Social determinants of mental illness have long been recognized, yet biologic pathways linking the two have remained unclear. ► Epigenetic dysregulation offers a plausible mechanism by which an adverse social environment results in poor mental health. ► Here we review studies suggesting that epigenetic changes translate exogenous stressors into psychopathological outcomes. ► Evidence pertaining to schizophrenia, MDD, PTSD, anorexia nervosa and substance dependence is reviewed. ► Implications for future work incorporating epigenetic measures into epidemiologic studies are discussed.