Groundbreaking research from University College London and the Anna Freud Centre has revealed that children exposed to frequent family conflict may experience brain changes strikingly similar to those seen in combat veterans.

Using fMRI scans, scientists found heightened responses in the amygdala and anterior insula — regions of the brain responsible for detecting threats and processing fear. This heightened vigilance may be adaptive in the short term, helping children remain alert in unstable environments. However, over time, this rewiring can raise the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.

The findings underscore the urgent need for early interventions that provide children with safety, stability, and emotional support. By recognizing the neurological toll of family conflict, experts hope to reduce long-term harm and help vulnerable children build resilience before patterns of stress become deeply ingrained.