As preschoolers,the children born to the women who were diagnosed with both PTSD and depression following the September 11,2001,attacks on the World Trade Center showed evidence of higher reactivity to stimuli and more aggressive behavior than did children of terrorism-exposed mothers who did not develop these disorders.What is the likely source?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The likely source for the higher reactivity to stimuli and more aggressive behavior in children born to women diagnosed with PTSD and depression following the 9/11 attacks is the ability of cortisol and other stress hormones to cross the placenta. Research has shown that maternal stress during prenatal development can impact the developing fetus and lead to long-term behavioral and physiological changes. Cortisol is one of the major hormones released during stressful situations and can have harmful effects on fetal brain development.

As Preschoolers,the Children Born to the Women Who Were Diagnosed