The term “childhood trauma” specifically refers to the trauma people experience during their early development. Among the primary types of trauma are:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
Youngsters who observe or go through stressful experiences run the danger of developing both physical and mental illnesses. Substance abuse and mental health issues in children are among these disorders. Childhood trauma can be classified according to several age categories, such as whether the incident occurred in early childhood (0–6), early adolescence (10–13), or middle adolescence (14–17). Younger children in early childhood exhibit nonverbal reactions such as emotional outbursts, poor language abilities, and memory issues because they are less able to comprehend and absorb stressful situations. Learning problems, lack of trust, and bodily discomfort are some of the behaviors that older children display.
Kinds of Trauma in Childhood
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network states that the following incidents fall under the category of childhood traumas:
• Bullying
• Violence in the Community
• Compounded or Complex Trauma
• Catastrophes
• Violence Against Intimate Partners
• Trauma in Medicine
• Physical Mistreatment
• Trauma of Refugees
• Sexual Trafficking and Sexual Abuse
• Violence and Terrorism
• Traumatic Loss or Sympathy
What Influences a Child’s Trauma Response?
There are a number of protective factors for traumatized children, just as not every person who experiences trauma will go on to develop a stress condition. Among the protective or resilient factors are:
• Strong support from guardians or family.
• Duration and intensity of the painful experience.
• Strong social interaction, such as in extracurricular activities or team sports.
• Coping strategies and guided treatment.
Children are more likely to be able to cope with traumas and lessen their long-term health impacts if adults believe in them and assist them throughout distressing experiences. Potential hazards are also reduced when parents bring their kids to mental and behavioral health specialists with a positive attitude.
The degree of resilience exhibited by trauma survivors varies. Resilient kids have a better chance of overcoming the detrimental effects of their traumatic childhood experiences on their health. One element that is important when a child goes through trauma is resilience, whether it be psychological or physical. In the Adolescent Resilience Model as a Guide to Interventions, Joan E. Haase, Ph.D. and RN, defines resilience as a multifaceted, complicated attribute that is associated with positive coping, social and emotional support, and meaning and purpose.
PTSD Symptoms in Children
The indicators might change depending on the child’s developmental stage. Since younger children can’t express their trauma verbally, it’s important to watch out for physical signs and improper play.
At least one symptom from each category of symptoms—avoidance, intrusions, negative cognitive changes, changes in reactivity and arousal, and duration of the disturbance—must be present for PTSD to be diagnosed.
The following are indicators of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children, according to Stanford Children’s Health:
• Issues with Sleep
• Grumpiness or depression
• Hypervigilance, attentiveness, or nervousness
• Numbness, lack of interest, or inaction
• Issues with love
• Violence or hostility
• Avoiding particular individuals, locations, or objects
• Flashbacks or a detachment from reality
• Duration of reenactment: seconds, hours, or days
• Issues with behavior or academic performance in school
• An early preoccupation with death
• Regression in behavior (bedwetting or thumb-sucking)
• Physical signs (such as stomach aches or headaches)
Adult Symptoms of Unresolved Childhood Trauma
Signs of unresolved childhood trauma in adulthood include the following:
• Abuse, dependence, or misuse of substances
• Mood, personality, stress, or anxiety disorders
• Emotional immaturity or behavioral problems
• Inability to handle conflict or confrontation
Therapy Methods for Adults Recovering from Childhood Trauma
Since therapy is tailored to the patient, the most effective method helps the patient feel at ease and understand their history. The most studied, empirically supported methods for treating childhood trauma are:
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that is useful for altering thought and behavior patterns. Numerous anxiety, stress, and depression problems can be treated using CBT. Treatment has been shown to be successful after 12 to 16 weeks. Every person responds differently to treatment, and medical professionals modify their plans of care based on the needs of each patient.
- DBT – Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion control, mindfulness, and stress tolerance. It is a useful treatment option for mental illnesses. Clinicians who treat mood and personality disorders are familiar with DBT. Most people are aware that DBT is the recommended course of treatment for those with borderline personality disorder. CONCEPT Professional Training offers DBT Certification to medical professionals who want to improve their therapeutic expertise.
- EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach in which a doctor guides a patient’s eye movements as the patient analyzes the event psychologically. This allows the patient to access painful memories. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is linked to this type of therapy. In as few as six to twelve sessions, EMDR research shows notable changes in veterans or those who have just had one traumatic event.
