Research reveals that individuals who experienced emotional abuse in childhood have a medial prefrontal cortex—the front part of the brain—that is 7.2% smaller.
This effect persists regardless of whether someone has a depression or anxiety disorder. Gender plays no role either.
However,
The reduction in the medial prefrontal cortex is directly linked to abuse. This brain region is highly sensitive to stress. Those abused in youth face elevated risks of anxiety disorders or depression, in part due to this structural change.
