We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
The impact of childhood maltreatment on biological systems: Implications for clinical interventions.
- Authors
Gonzalez, Andrea
- Abstract
Childhood maltreatment represents a significant risk factor for the development of a number of mental and physical health outcomes. Converging evidence suggests that early adversity induces significant and persistent biological changes in individuals ('biological embedding'). The present review focuses on the impact of childhood maltreatment on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune system function in both children and adults. Research suggests that childhood maltreatment is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation and diurnal Cortisol profiles, as well as stress reactivity. Furthermore, childhood maltreatment is associated with disruptions in various immune system markers including pro- and antiinflammatory substances, and markers of cell-mediated immunity. The potential of interventions to reduce these negative biological effects in maltreated children is also discussed.
- Subjects
ADRENAL gland physiology; HYPOTHALAMUS physiology; IMMUNOLOGIC diseases; MENTAL illness risk factors; PITUITARY gland physiology; CHILD abuse; GENETICS; HYDROCORTISONE; MATHEMATICAL models; THEORY; DISEASE risk factors
- Publication
Paediatrics & Child Health (1205-7088), 2013, Vol 18, Issue 8, p415
- ISSN
1205-7088
- Publication type
Article