The Neurobiology of Intervention and Prevention in Early Adversity

Philip A. Fisher, Kate G. Beauchamp, Leslie E. Roos, Laura K. Noll, Jessica Flannery, Brianna C. Delker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Scopus citations

Abstract

Early adverse experiences are well understood to affect development and well-being, placing individuals at risk for negative physical and mental health outcomes. A growing literature documents the effects of adversity on developing neurobiological systems. Fewer studies have examined stress neurobiology to understand how to mitigate the effects of early adversity. This review summarizes the research on three neurobiological systems relevant to interventions for populations experiencing high levels of early adversity: the hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis, the prefrontal cortex regions involved in executive functioning, and the system involved in threat detection and response, particularly the amygdala. Also discussed is the emerging field of epigenetics and related interventions to mitigate early adversity. Further emphasized is the need for intervention research to integrate knowledge about the neurobiological effects of prenatal stressors (e.g., drug use, alcohol exposure) and early adversity. The review concludes with a discussion of the implications of this research topic for clinical psychology practice and public policy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)331-357
Number of pages27
JournalAnnual Review of Clinical Psychology
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 28 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adversity
  • Amygdala
  • Epigenetics
  • HPA axis
  • Intervention
  • Prefrontal cortex

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Neurobiology of Intervention and Prevention in Early Adversity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this