The prefrontal cortex in a pandemic: Restoring functions with system-, family-, and individual-focused interventions

• Published in: The American psychologist Vol. 76; no. 5; p. 729
• Main Authors: Arnsten, Amy F T, Condon, Eileen M, Dettmer, Amanda M, Gee, Dylan G, Lee, Ka Shu, Mayes, Linda C, Stover, Carla S, Tseng, Wan-Ling
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2021
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; COVID-19 - psychology; Family; Humans; Mental Health; Pandemics; Prefrontal Cortex - physiology; Psychotherapy

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unanticipated and uncontrollable chronic stressor that is detrimental to the mental and behavioral health of children and families, particularly those from disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds. Chronic stress impairs a myriad of prefrontal cortical functions, import...