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half_in_boxes t1_j61hnd4 wrote

We've known this for at least 15 years. Prolonged early childhood abuse (occurring before the age of seven) can cause changes in the brain at the epigenetic level. It often presents as comorbid developmental disorders. I remember seeing a temporary exhibit about it in the museum of natural history in Manhattan sometime in 2006/2007.

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OrganicPumpkin9156 t1_j624e0g wrote

Do you remember exactly what changes it makes? Because "prolonged early childhood abuse" may as well be my middle name.

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half_in_boxes t1_j63ahku wrote

The one concrete thing I remember is that it affects the reabsorption of cortisol. I know that it's also casually linked to developmental disorders like ADHD and ASD as well as behavioral disorders, but I don't remember how exactly those are caused. Something to do with how input is processed during a strong sympathetic nervous response.

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Majoranza t1_j63d0hk wrote

Huh… that makes a lot of sense now…

I really feel as though my ADHD started off as minor and genetic, but manifested itself more and more until I got diagnosed in middle school, and now I’m a depressed ball of anxiety and stress with a dash of PTSD (haven’t had a flashback in almost a year! Progress!)And I still can’t stand people being behind me at all…

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blog-goblin t1_j63cr1w wrote

I've read a few articles about the amygdala and HPA axis becoming overactive. There may also be effects in the peripheral nervous system associated with autonomic regulation, although the polyvagal hypothesis is somewhat controversial.

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metaironic t1_j62tqdo wrote

I recently read Robert Sapolsky’s great book on stress, ‘Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers’, originally published back in ‘94. One of the things he talks about is stress and trauma in childhood and the physiological changes it can cause, some permanent and some reversible if dealt with in time. Some of this had been known for decades when he wrote the book, and he does a great job going through the research and the history of its discovery. Can really recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it.

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lizzolz t1_j6374b0 wrote

Could growing up in a household of constant alcohol-fuelled arguing that teeters on the edge of violence, between two parents, constitute as child abuse? Surely witnessing that can have long lasting impacts on a child.

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blog-goblin t1_j63bzng wrote

Yes. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) include substance abuse in the home.

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half_in_boxes t1_j63ao74 wrote

Yes, that absolutely counts, especially if there was no childhood resolution (e.g. therapy, removal to a safe home.)

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murderedbyaname t1_j61xnq9 wrote

I didn't know research went back that far. When I looked for studies maybe 4-5 yrs ago, I could only find one or two articles that were recent then.

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