The profound yet hidden effects of neglect on white matter structures in the brains of children

The profound yet hidden effects of neglect on white matter structures in the brains of children

When we think of child abuse, physical violence or emotional cruelty often comes to mind first. However, the most common form of maltreatment is actually much quieter: neglect.

DTI-MRI shows childhood neglect's effect on the brain's white matter

Diffusion-tensor MRI (DTI-MRI) shows how childhood neglect alters the brain's white matter, researchers say.

Child Neglect Alone Alters Brain Pathways

A new neuroimaging study reveals that child neglect alone, without other forms of abuse, can alter critical brain pathways. Researchers found abnormalities in white matter regions tied to movement, attention, language, and emotional regulation.