Developmental Trauma
What Causes Developmental Trauma?
Childhood maltreatment such as neglect, emotional, physical and sexual abuse, family violence and instability can cause trauma that affects the brain negatively.
The brain of the traumatised child adapts to protect the child to enable survival to puberty to create the next generation. The brain becomes hyper-alert, scanning the horizon for threats and unable to relax.
This inhibits executive functioning, decision making and the ability to manage stress. It can create high anxiety and often results in poor life performance, dysfunction, mental health problems and suicidal tendencies.
Everyone who has suffered abuse as a child deserves the opportunity to live free of its detrimental effects. If we can’t prevent childhood abuse and its resultant trauma, we should at least make effective treatments available.
Symptoms and Types of Developmental Trauma
Childhood maltreatment such as neglect, emotional, physical and sexual abuse, family violence and instability can cause trauma that affects the brain negatively.
Developmental Traumas Include:
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Vicarious trauma from witnessing domestic violence
- Family break-up
- Bullying
- LGBTQI+
Many Australians have four or more types of developmental trauma, significantly impacting their mental and physical health. With six or more types of trauma, life expectancy is reduced by 20 years.
It’s time we recognised that developmental trauma underlies many mental health problems. If we address and heal that trauma people will have a greater chance of reaching their full potential and becoming vibrant community members.
Research Evidence
The Australian Childhood Maltreatment Study released on 3/4/2023 reveals 62 per cent of Australians aged over 16 report having experienced childhood maltreatment.
Teicher, Gordon & Nemeroff (2021) state that childhood maltreatment is the most important preventable risk factor for psychiatric disorder.
A Tipping Point for Developmental Trauma Treatment?-V8-151222-1.pdfA/Prof Roger Gurr
MB, BS, DPM, MRCPsych, FRANZCP School of Medicine, Western Sydney University
Proposals
By Prof Roger Gurr
August 2018
Proposal for specific Developmental Trauma service for young people aged 12-25. This is the period of maximum emergence of mental health disorders, as the brain prunes connections for efficiency, but exposes functional problems when the most demanding developmental changes are faced, from sexual maturity, peer social competition and the emergence of an independent self. Many studies consistently show childhood developmental trauma creates high vulnerability and adverse outcomes in this age group.
Developmental Trauma Mission Proposal
By Prof Roger Gurr
August 2018
Proposal for specific Developmental Trauma service for young people aged 12-25. This is the period of maximum emergence of mental health disorders, as the brain prunes connections for efficiency, but exposes functional problems when the most demanding developmental changes are faced, from sexual maturity, peer social competition and the emergence of an independent self. Many studies consistently show childhood developmental trauma creates high vulnerability and adverse outcomes in this age group.
Useful Links
The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS)
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