Over 1 in 3 children worldwide experiences abuse or neglect, which has a long-term effect that can ripple through their lives (WHO, 2020). New research showed how its impact goes beyond mental health; it leaves marks on DNA that are associated with brain development (Nishitani et al., 2025).
Childhood abuse is often associated with mental health difficulties, as well as challenges in social and cognitive functioning. Early life experiences may affect how the body responds at a genetic level, sometimes causing long-lasting changes. These epigenetic changes explain why some children continuously experience challenges even after receiving psychological support (Nishitani et al., 2025).
In a 2025 study, Nishitani and colleagues explored how maltreatment in children and teens affects the brain. Looking at data from both living participants and post-mortem samples, the researchers found four methylation sites, paying special attention to the FOXP1 gene, and they also found that methylation differences (higher methylation) in FOXP1 were associated with altered grey matter volumes in brain regions involved in emotion regulation, memory, and social cognition (some regions had increased volume, others decreased, suggesting altered neurodevelopment) (Nishitani et al., 2025). The researchers also developed a methylation risk score (MRS), which showed some ability to distinguish individuals with a history of abuse in this study, suggesting potential for earlier detection and more targeted interventions in the future (Nishitani et al., 2025).
Understanding the extent of the effects of childhood trauma can help caregivers, parents, and communities provide early support and interventions to help children recover. It can also help improve treatment approaches and create prevention strategies. Additionally, schools and healthcare providers can develop programs that protect children’s mental and physical development, helping our precious children overcome these challenges.
Reference: Nishitani, S., Fujisawa, T. X., et al. (2025). Multi-epigenome, wide analyses and meta-analysis of child maltreatment in judicial autopsies and intervened children and adolescents. Molecular Psychiatry. Advance online publication. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-025-03236-1
World Health Organisation. (2020). Child maltreatment. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-maltreatment Image Source: University of South Australia
© 2025 Mariah (OC)
