Author(s)

Boyi Liu

Corresponding Author

Boyi Liu

Abstract

This study explores how stress factors in early life shape adolescent mental health. Early stress experiences may lead to changes in brain structure and function, which in turn affect emotion regulation and coping mechanisms. These changes are mainly reflected in neural circuits related to emotion, such as the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, in terms of their activity levels and connectivity. Through a comprehensive analysis of adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms, it was found that early life stress may promote anxiety and depression at the neurobiological level by altering neurotransmitter expression and neural plasticity. Individual differences in coping strategies and social support systems also affect mental health when adolescents face life stress. Understanding the impact of early life stress on neural circuits can help develop corresponding interventions and improve adolescent mental health.

Keywords

Early Life Stress; Adolescents; Anxiety; Depression; Neural Circuits