Early childhood stress has long-term consequences 

Background

Advances in neuroscience have led to new insights about early childhood development. Significant psychological distress in infancy may interfere with healthy brain development and lead to life-long impairments. This realization must bring about lasting change in health and social care.

Results

• There is a significant relationship between psychological stress in infancy and the health and motivation of adults.
• There are three types of distinguishable stress reactions: positive (triggered by frustrating experiences, vaccinations, etc.), tolerable (caused by serious illness, death in the family, etc.) and toxic (caused by abuse, neglect, maternal depression).
• While positive and tolerable stress are mitigated by a caring environment, toxic stress is transferred to the child. This can permanently damage brain structure and function.
• “Thus, the developing architecture of the brain can be impaired in numerous ways that create a weak foundation for later learning, behavior, and health.”
• Toxic stress in the lives of young children may be the origin of chronic diseases, learning disorders and unhealthy lifestyles in adults: “In this context, significant stress in the lives of young children is viewed as a risk factor for the genesis of health-threatening behaviors […]”
• Prevention and control of toxic stress in infancy can promote the health of society.
•  Pediatricians hold a key position: They can apply the latest research findings in patient care. Strategies to avoid early childhood stress can prevent disease.
• “Pediatrics provides a powerful yet underused platform for translating scientific advances into innovative early childhood policies […]”
• “The time has come to expand the public‘s understanding of brain development and shine a bright light on its relation to the early childhood roots of adult disease […]”
• Health care is a societal responsibility (support families, create a child-friendly environment, etc.). Prevention of disease will benefit all of society: Healthy adults ease the burden on health care and social security systems.

MAM Service