Research suggests that bullying may impair cognitive function

By Staff Writer

Martin Teicher, a neuroscientist, recently conducted a study that suggests children who are constantly tormented by their peers have the same behavioral issues as those who suffer from physical abuse, Care2 reports.

His research shows that verbal abuse was linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety and substance abuse. This may be a result of elevations of the stress hormone cortisol, which was present in the brains of teens who were physically and emotionally abused.

Tracy Vaillancourt of the University of Ottawa also conducted research on this issue. Her study shows how boys who have been bullied between the ages of 11 and 14 have an increased risk of memory loss.

Her research suggests that cortisol may weaken the immune system, and at high levels it can damage the brain cells that are used for cognitive abilities.

According to the Center for Disease Control's National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, nearly 30 percent of youth in the U.S. - more than 5.7 million - are involved in bullying, either as a bully, target or both.