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Childhood Abuse and Neglect Causes Changes to Brain
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
January 07 2001 | 3,956 views

Traumatic childhood experiences such as abuse and neglect may cause permanent physical changes to the developing brain, which could result in psychological problems in adulthood.

"The science shows that childhood maltreatment may produce changes in both brain function and structure," said lead investigator Dr. Martin H. Teicher, of the McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, in comments to Reuters Health. "These changes are permanent," he added. "This is not something people can just get over."

The researchers identified four abnormalities in the brain that were much more prevalent in adults who had been abused and neglected as children.

  • They found that adults who had been abused as children were more likely to experience epileptic seizures caused by changes to the limbic system, a part of the brain that controls emotions.
  • Abused children were twice as likely as non-abused children to have an abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), a reading that measures electrical activity of the brain, and these abnormal EEGs were associated with increased self-destructive behavior and aggression.
  • There was deficient development of the left side of the brain in adults abused as children, which, the researchers speculate, may lead to depression and problems with memory.
  • Abused children did not integrate the function of the left and right sides of their brain as well as those who had not been abused, possibly due to a decrease in the size of the bridge between the two hemispheres of the brain.
"The trauma of abuse induces a cascade of effects, including changes in hormones and neurotransmitters (chemicals released by brain cells) that mediate development of vulnerable brain regions," the researchers conclude.

"We know that an animal exposed to stress and neglect early in life develops a brain that is wired to experience fear, anxiety and stress," Dr. Teicher said. "We think the same is true of people."

Cerebrum, Fall, 2000; 50-67



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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Few would deny that emotions influence one''s physical health. However, it is my experience that many sick individuals (especially those with chemical sensitivities) are in serious denial of the profound influence that early emotional abuse can have on one''s future physical health.

In my experience, the earlier the abuse occurs, the more likely the negative impact will be on health. However, just because one has these injuries does not mean that they are not capable of being healed.

In my experience, the most profound healing for these types of wounds is spiritual. Prayer and journaling are very effective tools and should not be discounted just because there cost is so low. When done properly the results can be miraculous.

Unfortunately, my experience with traditional psychotherapy is that in many ways it is similar to traditional medicine. The therapists clearly mean well, but most of the time they are not able to facilitate resolution of the deep wounding.

I have learned that integrating muscle testing techniques like DCA and APN are far more effective at resolving these issues. These clearly are not the only solution that therapists can use, but they are some of the more effective ones I have witnessed.



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