Emotional neglect linked to brain proteins and thinking problems in depressed teens
Adolescents with mood disorders and emotional neglect showed lower levels of an anti-aging protein (Klotho) and higher levels of an inflammatory protein (MMP-9), along with weaker working memory and decision-making abilities.
Why it matters: Understanding which types of childhood hardship affect brain development could guide better support for teenagers with mood disorders.
Keep in mind: This was a small observational study that found associations, not proof that neglect causes these protein or thinking changes.
AI-assisted explanation based on the supplied abstract. Read the linked source for full context.
What this changes
The finding has not established an approved change to our evidence assessment.
Source date: Sep 21, 2026 · Discovered: Sep 21, 2026 · Assessed: — · Research update
What it does not prove
- Limitations have not yet been verified. Read the primary source.
Extracted from supplied source material; model confidence is not a measured probability of correctness.
Study details
- Design
- Observational
- Sample size
- 140
- Duration
- —
- Population
- 95 adolescents with major affective disorders (48 bipolar disorder, 47 major depressive disorder) and 45 healthy controls
- Primary outcome
- Relationship between childhood trauma subtypes, serum Klotho and MMP-9 levels, and cognitive function in adolescents with major affective disorders
- Effect size
- —
- Significance
- Significant
- Journal
- Neuropsychobiology
- Published
- Sep 21, 2026
Sources
Primary source
- Neuropsychobiology ↗Peer reviewed
Assessment history
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