Early life stress and psychopathology (4)

Question 1

What changes were found to occur to the amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in humans as a result of early life stress?

Answer 1

• Amygdala = larger.
• Hippocampus = reduced/no change.
• Prefrontal = reduced.

Question 2

Does early life stress affect physiological and behavioural processes?

Answer 2

Yes.

Question 3

What else does early life stress affect?

Answer 3

The key structures that regulate the stress response.

Question 4

What effect does early life stress have on cortisol and PTSD?

Answer 4

Low cortisol and low risk for PTSD.