When does the limbic region begin to undergo significant changes?

The limbic region, which plays a crucial role in emotions, behaviors, and memory, experiences significant changes at the onset of puberty. This developmental stage is marked by the activation of hormones that influence not just physical growth but also brain development. During puberty, there is an increase in synaptic pruning and neurogenesis in the limbic system, which contributes to heightened emotional responses and social behavior.

This phase is also associated with important changes in the balance of the brain's reward system, often leading to increased risk-taking and more intense emotional experiences. This period of adolescence is critical as it sets the foundation for future emotional regulation and social interactions, marking a transition into more complex emotional and social processes that are vital during this stage of development.

Other developmental stages, such as at birth, during childhood, or in early adulthood, do involve changes in brain structure and function, but the most pronounced shifts in the limbic region and its related emotional processing occur during puberty.