Neurodevelopmental mechanisms linking early experiences and mental health: Translating science to promote well-being among youth.

Abstract

Early experiences can have profound and lasting effects on mental health. Delineating neurodevelopmental pathways related to risk and resilience following adversity exposure is critical for promoting well-being and targeting interventions. A rapidly growing cross-species literature has facilitated advances in identifying neural and behavioral mechanisms linking early experiences with mental health, highlighting a central role of corticolimbic circuitry involved in learning and emotion regulation. Building upon knowledge of corticolimbic development related to stress and buffering factors, we describe the importance of the developmental timing and experiential elements of adversity in mental health outcomes. Finally, we discuss opportunities to translate knowledge of the developing brain and early experiences to optimize interventions for youth with psychopathology and to inform policy that promotes healthy development at the societal level. Public Significance StatementEarly experiences can have lasting effects on mental health, and stress exposure is one of the strongest risk factors for the development of psychopathology. Delineating the mechanisms that confer risk and resilience in the context of early life stress can inform efforts to promote well-being. This article discusses efforts to translate developmental neuroscience to optimize interventions and inform policy that enhances youth well-being.

Leveraging the developmental neuroscience of caregiving to promote resilience among youth exposed to adversity

“…Translating findings from this research can guide efforts to optimize interventions for youth with adversity-related psychopathology and to inform policy that supports the well-being of youth and families. Figure reproduced with permission from Gee (2022), American Psychologist. Illustration by Nessa Bryce with Beyond Bounds Creative. …”

“…Indeed, consistent with the idea that resilience depends on multilevel interactions between multiple systems in society (Masten et al, 2021), evidence demonstrates that intervening at the family, community, or broader societal level is often most effective for promoting favorable outcomes following adversity (Feder et al, 2019; Gee, 2021b; Sapienza & Masten, 2011). Third, systems-level change should be enacted to eliminate systemic infliction of trauma on youth and families (Gee, 2022; Kribakaran et al, 2023). While interventions can mitigate harm, addressing the broader societal forces that give rise to trauma is essential to prevention.…”

“…Developmental scientists have a unique and important role to play in informing broader discussions in society about adversity and youth well-being (Gee, 2022). Researchers can contribute to these ongoing discussions and policymaking by conducting rigorous science on childhood adversity, including on the central role of caregivers and families in promoting resilience, by sharing their findings in meaningful ways with broad audiences that go beyond the academic realm.…”

Can peripheral psychophysiological markers predict response to exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy in youth with severely impairing irritability? A study protocol

“…This is especially relevant in the case of irritability, as this transdiagnostic psychiatric phenotype cuts across 15 DSM-5 diagnoses (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Thus, there is a need to optimize approaches to enhance treatment e cacy (Gee, 2022).…”

“…Objective psychophysiological signals like HR, HRV, and EDA have a place in the assessment of psychology across cognitive, social, and functional domains that, by nature, overcome issues contributing to biased self-reports and over/underreporting of subjective symptoms (Harvey et al, 2022). HR, HRV, and EDA are linked to corticolimbic circuity (e.g., hypothalamus, amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) (Christopoulos et al, 2016;Tranel, 2000)) involved in learning, emotion regulation, and pediatric psychopathology (Gee, 2022). These structures are the primary brain targets of exposure-based CBT, and psychophysiological measures could be proxy indicators of the effectiveness of CBT in modifying these targets (Tranel, 2000).…”