Childhood Abuse Leads to Poor Adult Health

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121113134626.htm

ScienceDaily (Nov. 13, 2012) — The psychological scars of childhood abuse can last well into adulthood. New research from Concordia University shows the harm can have long-term negative physical effects, as well as emotional ones.

Scientists hypothesize that stress in early childhood causes physiological changes that affect a victim's response to stress, which puts the individual at an increased risk of disease later in life. Jean-Philippe Gouin, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Chronic Stress and Health in Concordia's Department of Psychology, tested this link and found that early-life abuse results in physiological changes that may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later on.

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