TABLE 1.

Summary of postulated pathophysiological changes in the brain among individuals abused in childhood¹⁸

Norepinephrine dysfunction (i.e., excessive norepinephrine responsivity) Serotonergic dysfunction (i.e., depressed levels) Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction (i.e., feedback mechanisms may be lost/impaired, with abuse-related hypersecretion of cortisol followed by hyposecretion)