Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a significant risk factor for psychopathologies and influences brain development, particularly during early childhood and adolescence. This review discusses phenotypic alterations in sensory systems associated with specific types of CM, vulnerable periods to its neurobiological effects, and the relationships between CM and brain structure, function, connectivity, and network architecture. It also addresses neurobiological alterations associated with maternal communication and attachment disturbances, using laboratory-based measures and case–control studies to elucidate neurobiological alterations in reactive attachment disorders (RAD) in children with maltreatment histories. The review also examines the acute effects of oxytocin on RAD and maltreatment, as well as methylation of oxytocin regulatory genes. Epigenetic changes may play a critical role in initiating or producing atypical structural and functional brain alterations associated with CM. However, these changes could be reversed through psychological and pharmacological interventions, and by anticipating or preventing the emergence of brain alterations and subsequent psychopathological risks. CM significantly impacts brain structures, including the hippocampus, anterior cingulate, ventromedial and dorsomedial cortices, and fiber tracts. It alters amygdala response, reduces ventral striatal response, disrupts prefrontal–amygdala connectivity, and increases precuneus volume in maltreated individuals. CM also affects the corpus callosum, with sex-specific alterations in axial and radial diffusivity linked to emotional abuse or neglect. The timing and type of CM are crucial factors, with prepubertal differences in associations between maltreatment and amygdala response. CM is associated with reduced gray matter volume in specific brain regions, such as the visual cortex, and altered connectivity in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus. These changes are linked to the duration of maltreatment and the sensitivity of brain development to environmental factors. CM also affects the neurobiology of attachment, with disrupted maternal communication and attachment leading to enlarged left amygdala volume and altered hippocampal volume. Reactive attachment disorder is characterized by persistent difficulties in social and emotional relationships and emotionally withdrawn behaviors. The neurobiology of attachment involves the neuropeptide oxytocin, which plays a critical role in mother–infant bonding and attachment formation. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, are involved in the regulation of oxytocin-related genes and may contribute to the neurobiological effects of CM. These modifications can be reversed through psychological and pharmacological interventions, highlighting the potential for targeted treatments to improve outcomes for children with maltreatment histories. The review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the complex relationships between CM, brain development, psychopathology, and resilience, and to develop effective interventions and support systems for abuse survivors.Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a significant risk factor for psychopathologies and influences brain development, particularly during early childhood and adolescence. This review discusses phenotypic alterations in sensory systems associated with specific types of CM, vulnerable periods to its neurobiological effects, and the relationships between CM and brain structure, function, connectivity, and network architecture. It also addresses neurobiological alterations associated with maternal communication and attachment disturbances, using laboratory-based measures and case–control studies to elucidate neurobiological alterations in reactive attachment disorders (RAD) in children with maltreatment histories. The review also examines the acute effects of oxytocin on RAD and maltreatment, as well as methylation of oxytocin regulatory genes. Epigenetic changes may play a critical role in initiating or producing atypical structural and functional brain alterations associated with CM. However, these changes could be reversed through psychological and pharmacological interventions, and by anticipating or preventing the emergence of brain alterations and subsequent psychopathological risks. CM significantly impacts brain structures, including the hippocampus, anterior cingulate, ventromedial and dorsomedial cortices, and fiber tracts. It alters amygdala response, reduces ventral striatal response, disrupts prefrontal–amygdala connectivity, and increases precuneus volume in maltreated individuals. CM also affects the corpus callosum, with sex-specific alterations in axial and radial diffusivity linked to emotional abuse or neglect. The timing and type of CM are crucial factors, with prepubertal differences in associations between maltreatment and amygdala response. CM is associated with reduced gray matter volume in specific brain regions, such as the visual cortex, and altered connectivity in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus. These changes are linked to the duration of maltreatment and the sensitivity of brain development to environmental factors. CM also affects the neurobiology of attachment, with disrupted maternal communication and attachment leading to enlarged left amygdala volume and altered hippocampal volume. Reactive attachment disorder is characterized by persistent difficulties in social and emotional relationships and emotionally withdrawn behaviors. The neurobiology of attachment involves the neuropeptide oxytocin, which plays a critical role in mother–infant bonding and attachment formation. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, are involved in the regulation of oxytocin-related genes and may contribute to the neurobiological effects of CM. These modifications can be reversed through psychological and pharmacological interventions, highlighting the potential for targeted treatments to improve outcomes for children with maltreatment histories. The review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the complex relationships between CM, brain development, psychopathology, and resilience, and to develop effective interventions and support systems for abuse survivors.