Neurobiological Effects of Child Maltreatment and other Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Bibliographic Review

Abstract

Background. Child maltreatment (CM) is a serious problem suffered by one third of the population worldwide. It is associated with an altered pattern of development that sets the conditions for the onset of different types of psychopathologies. Several studies have found neurobiological modifications associated to CM and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), but few studies integrate these findings. Objective: To review publications that report changes associated with ACE, from the genetic level to brain functioning. Results: Changes associated with CM and other ACE were found in: DNA methylation, specifically in stress response genes; the morphology and function of the cells in the nervous system; the volume of the amygdala, hippocampus, frontal cortex and other brain -regions; and hyper or hypo-functionality of different brain and neuroendocrine networks, especially those associated with emotional stimuli processing, in social behaviors and other cognitive processes. Conclusion: Understanding the consequences of CM and other ACE on different scales of neurobiology allows a deep understanding of the phenomenon and brings us closer to explaining the relationship it has with child and adult psychopathology. CM and other ACE are associated with changes at all levels of the neurobiology of the person who experiences them. This exposes the severity and implications of this mental health problem.