The neurobiological correlates of childhood adversity and implications for treatment

Objective: This article provides an overview of research on the neurobiological correlates of childhood adversity and a selective review of treatment implications.

Method: Findings from a broad array of human and animal studies of early adversity were reviewed.

Results: Topics reviewed include neuroendocrine, neurotrophic, neuroimaging, and cognitive effects of adversity, as well as genetic and epigenetic influences. Effects of early-life stress on treatment outcome are considered, and development of treatments designed to address the neurobiological abnormalities is discussed.

Conclusion: Early adversity is associated with abnormalities of several neurobiological systems that are implicated in the development of psychopathology and other medical conditions. Early-life stress negatively impacts treatment outcome, and individuals may require treatments that are specific to this condition.