Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Consequences on Neurobiological, Psychosocial, and Somatic Conditions Across the Lifespan
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Abstract
Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) such as sexual and physical abuse
or neglect are frequent in childhood and constitute a massive stressor with long-lasting
adverse effects on the brain, mental and physical health. The aim of this qualitative
review is to present a concise overview of the present literature on the impact of ACE on
neurobiology, mental and somatic health in later adulthood.
Methods: The authors reviewed the existing literature on the impact of ACE on
neurobiology, mental and somatic health in later adulthood and summarized the results
for a concise qualitative overview.
Results: In adulthood, the history of ACE can result in complex clinical profiles
with several co-occurring mental and somatic disorders such as posttraumatic stress
disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, obesity and diabetes. Although a
general stress effect in the development of the disorders and neural alterations can be
assumed, the role of type and timing of ACE is of particular interest in terms of prevention
and treatment of ACE-related mental and somatic conditions. It has been suggested that
during certain vulnerable developmental phases the risk for subsequent ACE-related
disorders is increased. Moreover, emerging evidence points to sensitive periods and
specificity of ACE-subtypes in the development of neurobiological alterations, e.g.,
volumetric and functional changes in the amygdala and hippocampus.
Conclusion: Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate complex ACE-related
characteristics and mechanisms relevant for mental and somatic disorders by integrating
state of the art knowledge and methods. By identifying and validating psychosocial
and somatic risk factors and diagnostic markers one might improve the development
of innovative somatic and psychological treatment options for individuals suffering from
ACE-related disorders
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), child maltreatment, neuroimaging, psychopathology, somatic disorders, International Resources, Germany
Citation
Herzog, J. I., & Schmahl, C. (2018). Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Consequences on Neurobiological, Psychosocial, and Somatic Conditions Across the Lifespan. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 420. http://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00420