Child abuse is associated with markedly elevated rates of major depression and other
psychiatric disorders in adulthood. This article reviews preclinical studies examining the
effects of early stress, factors that modify the impact of these experiences, and
neurobiological changes associated with major depression. Preclinical studies demonstrate
that early stress can alter the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,
hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic corticotropin releasing hormone, monoaminergic, and …