It doesn’t come as a surprise that childhood abuse has long term effects that show itself way into adulthood. Adults with a history of childhood abuse are known to have higher risks of psychological problems and difficulty responding to stress. But a recent study found that abuse in early childhood can permanently change how certain genes in the brain work, so much, that the risk of suicide is increased.
A Canadian study led by Michael Meaney examined the gene for glucocorticoid receptor – which controls a brain’s response to stress – in 12 suicide victims with a history of abuse, …read more