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The affective, relational, but also the cognitive development of children is linked very early in life to the quality of relationships of investment and security of their care-givers. The perinatal period appears to be a moment when cerebral development is very sensitive to stress. When such stress is chronic and associated with a prolonged secretion of cortisol, it is particularly likely to leave a neurobiological trace that can influence the entire life of the individual. These modifications in neuronal architecture can bring about an alteration of the development of intellectual functions and psychological development (psychogenic dwarfism), along with disorders of the affective system, emotions, and memory. Early toxic stress can provoke later hyper-reactivity to minor stresses with mental and physical consequences that last into adult life. The psychopathological risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress but also metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases will also be greater.