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Emotional Abuse Affects Brain Size

Emotional Abuse Affects Brain Size

Research has shown that in people who claim to have been emotionally abused in childhood, the medial prefrontal cortex, also known as the front part of the brain, is 7.2 percent smaller.

It makes no difference whether or not someone has a depression or anxiety disorder sorrow. Gender also has no influence.

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The reduction of the medial prefrontal cortex and abuse are therefore definitely related. That part of the brain is extremely sensitive to stress † People who were abused in their youth have an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder or depression, partly because of this.