Why does early childhood deprivation increase the risk for depression and anxiety in adulthood? A developmental cascade model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Using data from the English & Romanian Adoptees (ERA) study, we recently reported that early time-limited exposure to severe institutional deprivation is associated with early-onset and persistent neurodevelopmental problems and later-onset emotional problems. Here, we examine possible reasons for the late emergence of emotional problems in this cohort. Our main focus is on testing a developmental cascade mediated via the functional impact of early-appearing neurodevelopmental problems on late adolescent functioning. We also explore a second putative pathway via sensitization to stress.

Methods

The ERA study includes 165 Romanian individuals who spent their early lives in grossly depriving institutions and were subsequently adopted into UK families, along with 52

SUBMITTER: Golm D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8597399 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature