The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Stress on Adult Depression

Experiencing negative life events (NLE) during childhood is associated with a higher risk of developing depression in young adulthood, according to a new study. The research, involving brain imaging tests on 321 participants, also found that thinning of the orbitofrontal cortex during adolescence is linked to increased depressive symptoms later in life. While there was no direct relationship between NLE and orbitofrontal cortex thickness, the study highlights the importance of early assessment and monitoring of these factors to identify individuals at risk for depression and prevent psychological disorders in young adults.