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Long-lasting Consequences of Early Life Stress on Brain Structure, Emotion and Cognition

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Behavioral Neurobiology of Stress-related Disorders

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 18))

Abstract

During the perinatal period, the brain undergoes substantial structural changes, synaptic rearrangements, and development of neuronal circuits which ultimately determine brain function and behavior. Environmental factors—such as exposure to adverse experiences—have major impact on brain function and structure during this sensitive period. These alterations can be long-lasting, and have been implicated in psychopathology such as cognitive decline and emotional dysfunction. Here we briefly review how early postnatal adversity determines structure and function of the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) areas, which are crucial for proper cognitive and emotional function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Harm J. Krugers

  2. Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Marian Joëls

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  1. Harm J. Krugers
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Correspondence to Harm J. Krugers .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry Kings College London, London, United Kingdom

    Carmine M. Pariante

  2. Family and Community Health Systems, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA

    M. Danet Lapiz-Bluhm

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Krugers, H.J., Joëls, M. (2014). Long-lasting Consequences of Early Life Stress on Brain Structure, Emotion and Cognition. In: Pariante, C., Lapiz-Bluhm, M. (eds) Behavioral Neurobiology of Stress-related Disorders. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 18. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2014_289

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