NCJ Number
207673
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse: A Review Journal Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 333-352
Date Published
October 2004
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This literature review examines the possible effects of child maltreatment on the functioning of the victim's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which has a role in memory, learning, and emotions (Stansbury and Gunnar, 1994).
Abstract
The abnormal functioning of the HPA axis has been linked to emotional responses such as anxiety and depression, as well as cognitive and behavioral processes such as learning and memory deficits and failure of response inhibition. There is evidence that attachment status may have significant developmental effects on the reactivity of the HPA axis. Although there is substantial research evidence that HPA axis impairment occurs in abused children, the nature of the damage is apparently related to factors such as age of onset of abuse, parental responsiveness, continued exposure to stressors or maltreatment, type of maltreatment, and type of psychopathology or behavioral disturbance. Early childhood abuse may cause HPA axis hypersensitivity in some women, which may make them vulnerable to the effects of stress later in life. The stress-induced changes in HPA axis functioning may contribute to long-term alterations in mood and behavior. Protective practices by significant caregivers can mitigate and shorten the duration of the effects of abuse on the functioning of the HPA axis. 50 references