What Growing Up in a Pandemic

What Growing Up In a Pandemic is Doing to Our Youngest Kids’ Brains

The things that happen to us when we are children can follow us for the rest of our lives. Neuroscience research shows the chronic stress caused by poverty, abuse and other trauma literally leaves its mark on a child’s brain. Stress during pregnancy can even increase the risk of ADHD. 

Now we’re living through what some early childhood researchers call the biggest source of stress in a generation — The pandemic has brought strain and suffering to many families. Parents have lost jobs. Mental health problems and substance abuse are rising. Emergency room visits suggest child abuse is, too.

What mark will the pandemic leave on the generation growing up right now? Listen to the MPR story

Other News

Female doctor using TMS technology on the head of female patient
The study will look at the use of TMS as a treatment for youth with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders.
Group of three young people with an adult mental health counselor
MIDB members recently participated in a policy breakfast focused on the state of children's mental health in Minnesota.
Multiple brains on scan from MRI
This study is part of a broader MIDB initiative to curate and share large-scale neuroimaging datasets.