Abstract
Objective:
In the present article, the literature was reviewed with regard to the effects of child abuse and neglect on brain development, with a focus on abuse and neglect related psychological processes and their neurobiological equivalents.
Method:
The studies on the effects of early stress on brain development in the last 15 years have been reviewed.
Results:
In the early stages of life, brain development is very sensitive to environmental influences. During a critical period, a non-genetic risk factor, such as abuse and/or neglect, may cause neurodevelopmental problems.
Discussion:
In order to obtain a more comprehensive framework to examine child abuse and neglect, it is of significant importance to consider the psychosocial consequences of early childhood stress along with its neurobiological aspects.
Keywords: Child abuse and neglect, neurobiological development, early childhood stress
