A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences sheds light on how childhood trauma can even reshape our brains in adulthood, affecting our mental health.
Childhood maltreatment in the form of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, have lasting effects on overall well-being well into adulthood.
It is linked to increased inflammation in the body, which is associated with a higher risk of physical health problems like heart diseases or diabetes.
Childhood maltreatment can trigger long-lasting changes in brain structure and function, as well as the body's stress response system.
MRI brain scans, body mass index, inflammation markers, and self-reported trauma experiences from over 21,000 adults (40 - 70 years) enrolled in the UK Biobank database.