[Consequences of aversive childhood experiences: effects on the neuroendocrine system].

Consequences of aversive childhood experiences: effects on the neuroendocrine system Abstract. Childhood experiences of stress due to neglect, physical, psychological or sexual abuse lead in many cases to permanent changes in the stress-regulating neuroendocrine processes. Epidemiological studies already showed 20 years ago that the extent of childhood stressors correlates with the occurrence of various somatic, functional and psychological diseases in adulthood and that cumulative stressors are also reflected in a significantly reduced average life expectancy. The altered stress-related endocrine system is of major importance with regard to the pathogenesis of the secondary somatic, functional and psychological disorders mentioned above.