People who were abused, lost a parent, or otherwise suffered as a child are at greater risk of developing chronic health problems, reports Reuters.
The study, conducted by Kate M. Scott from the University of Otago (New Zealand), covered over 18 people. adults from 10 countries. The results showed that people who survived childhood abuse, parental abuse of alcohol or drugs, the death of a parent, or suffered from mental illness have a higher risk of developing chronic heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, and chronic head and back pain.
Respondents who experienced at least three different childhood misfortunes were more likely to develop all six diseases included in the studies than people without such experiences. This was especially true of heart disease, where the risk was twice as high.
A similar risk also applies to people who developed mental illnesses such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder before the age of 21. The risk of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, arthritis or chronic pain was 40 to 60 percent. higher than in the control group.
However, these results do not prove that childhood stress is the direct cause of ill health later in life. However, there are several reasons to suspect such a relationship. Childhood misfortunes can shape human behavior and lifestyle. Some may start smoking, abusing alcohol or overeating in order to cope with the stress caused by experiences in childhood, the researcher emphasizes. Not everyone who experienced abuse or had depression as a child will have heart disease, she adds.
The researchers also point out that there may be a more direct way in which childhood stress affects later health. At times of increased emotional tension, the human body produces the so-called stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. It is a completely natural process, but chronically elevated levels of these hormones in the body may increase the risk of developing various diseases in the future.
The results of the research were published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. (PAP)