Children's Health

Brain Development Harmed in Mistreated Kids

Why Early-Life Stress Sometimes Leads to Mental Illness continued...

Shrinkage in this brain region has been shown in people who have mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression.

Researchers found that three key regions of the hippocampus were nearly 6% to 7% smaller in people who were significantly mistreated as kids compared to those who were not.

The brain findings were there, whether or not a person was showing signs of a mental illness like depression or PTSD.

Based on previous research, “It seems like there’s this sensitive period between 3 to 5 years of age when the hippocampus may be very sensitive,” Teicher says.

“The consequences may not be [apparent] initially; they may be silent for many years before they unfold,” he says.

But he says people who had rough childhoods should also know that although early life experiences may be important for brain function, other studies have shown that some of the brain changes can be undone.

“Things like vigorous exercise will change it. Mental stimulation will influence it,” Teicher says. “Changes in the hippocampus are plastic and can be modified.”