title: Effects of stress across the lifespan.
abstract: Stress is a known precipitant for metabolic and neurological diseases, with sensitive periods identified across the developmental continuum from conception to old age. However, the effects of stress may vary depending on the point or points along the developmental trajectory when adversity strikes. Past research has emphasized the consequences of stress on fully developed physiological systems in the brain and periphery, but more recent studies have explored the impact of stress on systems at different stages of maturation, with differential effects being revealed. This review provides an overview of the diverse effects of stress at critical developmental stages and the potential outcomes that may be associated with experiencing environmental adversity during ontogeny.
authors.affiliation: Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA. jkoenig@mprc.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: James I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Koenig
authors.forename: Claire-Dominique
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Russell D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Romeo
authors.forename: Sonia J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lupien
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats; D012923:Social Class; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*