Stress, sensitive periods and maturational events in adolescent depression

Trends Neurosci. 2008 Apr;31(4):183-91. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2008.01.004. Epub 2008 Mar 10.

Abstract

In this paper, we provide an overview of how the maturation of specific brain regions and stress exposure during windows of vulnerability initiate a series of events that render adolescents exceptionally susceptible to the development of depression. This stress-incubation/corticolimbic development cascade provides a means of understanding why depression emerges with such force and frequency in adolescence. The development of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and ventral striatum is described from a translational perspective as they relate to stress exposure, onset, pathogenesis and gender differences in depression. Adolescent depression is a serious recurrent brain-based disorder. Understanding the genesis and neurobiological basis is important in the development of more effective intervention strategies to treat or prevent the disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Development / physiology*
  • Amygdala / physiopathology
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology
  • Depressive Disorder / genetics
  • Depressive Disorder / physiopathology*
  • Hippocampus / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology
  • Stress, Psychological / physiopathology*