Dextrius Williams

"The neurodevelopmental etiology of mental disorders among adolescents impacted by physical abuse and neglect"

Started Aug. 4, 2022

Abstract or project description

There is an established connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the development of behavioral disorders, but the explanation of how these experiences affect neurodevelopment is relatively lacking. The objective of this project is to further understand the relationship between Childhood Abuse and the neurological development of the brain specifically citing neglect and physical abuse during the period of adolescence (12-17). In this manuscript the adverse effects of  adolescent neglect and physical abuse is dissected, discussing the structural and biochemical changes of the brain as a result of potentially traumatic experiences (PTE). This review dissects how adolescent brains react to adverse experiences including physical abuse and neglect. This research begins with a background on the formal operational stage of development specifically connecting brain development as well as the development of social identity. Further the paper uses the previous description to explain the impact of stress response in the adolescent brain identifying possible preemptive measures for ACES and remedial treatments