A recent study discovered that childhood maltreatment can have lasting effects on individuals well into adulthood, leading to increased risk of poor physical health and traumatic experiences many years later. This includes various forms of maltreatment such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as emotional and physical neglect.Some individuals may develop mental illness over their lifetime, but the reason why this risk continues for many years after experiencing maltreatment is still not well understood. A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Leiden University revealed that adult brains are still impacted by childhood maltreatment, leading to an increased likelihood of obesity, inflammation, and traumatic events. These factors are all risk factors for poor health and wellbeing, which in turn can affect brain structure and overall brain health.The researchers analyzed MRI brain scans of about 21,000 adults between the ages of 40 and 70 in the UK Biobank. They also gathered data on body mass index (BMI), CRP levels (a marker of inflammation in the blood), and instances of childhood maltreatment and adult trauma.
Sofia Orellana, a PhD student at the Department of Psychiatry and Darwin College, University of Cambridge, stated: “It’s been established for some time that individuals who have experienced abuse or neglect as children are at risk of enduring mental health issues well into adulthood. Additionally, their experiences can also lead to long-term brain issues.”The connection between the immune system and the metabolic system plays a crucial role in determining overall health, such as the risk of heart disease or the likelihood of developing diabetes. However, the precise way in which these effects interact and impact each other has not been fully understood.
Through the use of statistical modeling, researchers were able to uncover the ways in which these interactions function. It was found that individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment were more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and were also more prone to experiencing trauma in adulthood. Additionally, those with a history of maltreatment showed signs of immune system dysfunction.this dysfunction is caused by obesity and repeated exposure to traumatic events, the researchers found that childhood maltreatment has made it more likely for adults to have widespread increases and decreases in brain thickness and volume associated with greater body mass index, inflammation, and trauma. This physical damage to brain cells affects how they work and function. The researchers also included MRI measures of the adult’s brains in their models to show these associations. There is still work to be done to fully understand how these factors are connected.function at a higher level of disease risk and develop interventions to improve mental health outcomes.”
The study involved a meta-analysis of existing data from previous research on childhood maltreatment and its effects on the brain. The researchers found that there are specific changes at the cellular level in the brain that contribute to the long-term impact of childhood maltreatment on mental health. This new understanding could potentially lead to the development of biomarkers that indicate increased risk for mental health disorders, allowing for early intervention and targeted support.
Many people require assistance, and it is hoped that this support will help them break the cycle of poor health.”
The study received funding from several organizations including MQ: Transforming Mental Health, the Royal Society, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration East of England, Girton College, and Darwin College.
Journal Reference:
- Orellana, SC et al. Childhood maltreatment influences adult brain structure through its effects on immune, metabolic and psychosocial factors.. PNAS, 2024 DOI: < rnrnThe link to the article is 10.1073/pnas.230470412.