Martin Dimitrov / Getty Images
Childhood emotional abuse andneglectcan result in permanent changes to the developing human brain.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
How Abuse Alters Brain Structure
As children grow, their brains undergoperiods of rapid development.
Martin Dimitrov / Getty Images
Negative experiences can disrupt those developmental periods, leading to changes in the brain later on.
They found clear differences in nine brain regions between those who had experiencedchildhood traumaand those who had not.
Click below to listen now.
These potential effects include:
These effects can continue to cause issues in adulthood if they’re not addressed.
Adults who experienced maltreatment during childhood may have trouble with interpersonal relationshipsor they may avoid them altogether.
Early intervention and support can help reverse some of the damage that happened in the young developing brain.
Poor hygiene, issues with eating, or being dressed inappropriately for the weather may also indicate maltreatment.
2014;76(4):297-305. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.09.016
Child Welfare Information Gateway.Understanding the effects of maltreatment on brain development.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau; 2023.
Kirlic N, Cohen ZP, Singh MK.Is there an ace up our sleeve?
2020;1(1):5-28. doi:10.1007/s42844-020-00001-x
University of Delaware.Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing child abuse and neglect.
Stanford Medicine.Signs and symptoms of abuse/neglect.
