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Childhood trauma, often referred to as Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), can have lifelong effects on mental, emotional, and physical health. Research has linked ACEs to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD).
Unlike ordinary stressful experiences, childhood trauma involves deeply distressing events, whether experienced firsthand or witnessed. These events alter brain development, emotional regulation, and long-term health outcomes. How exactly does unresolved childhood trauma manifest in adults?
What Kinds of Symptoms Can Adults Have?
The effects of ACEs in adulthood can present in emotional, behavioral, cognitive, physical, and relational ways. While each person’s experience is unique, the following symptoms are commonly reported among those with a history of childhood trauma.
Emotional
- Emotion dysregulation: Intense responses to minor triggers, mood swings, or emotional numbness,
- Persistent negative emotions: Chronic guilt, shame, sadness or anger unrelated to present circumstances.
- Depression and anxiety: Frequent panic attacks, excessive worry, or episodes of depression.
- Intrusive memories and flashbacks: Reliving traumatic events through nightmares or unexpected memories.
Behavioral
- Attachment issues: Fear of abandonment; difficulty trusting others, or trouble maintaining relationships.
- Self-destructive behaviors: Substance abuse, high-risk behaviors, or self-sabotage.
- Social withdrawal: Avoiding relationships or isolating oneself to avoid potential emotional harm.
- Childlike Responses: Regression to immature behaviors, temper tantrums, or dependent tendencies.
Cognitive and Psychological Effects
- Low self-esteem: Feeling worthless, self-blaming, or a distorted sense of self.
- Dissociation: Detachment from thoughts, emotions, or reality as a coping mechanism.
- Difficulty concentrating: Memory lapses, trouble focusing, or brain fog.
Physical
- Hypervigilance: Constantly on edge, easily startled, tense muscles.
- Chronic health problems: Increased risk for cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic pain.
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, or restless sleep.
Relationship
- Strained relationships: Difficulty expressing emotions, fear of intimacy, and conflict avoidance.
- Isolation: Avoiding meaningful connections due to trust issues
- Patterns of unhealthy relationships: Repeated cycles of toxic or abusive relationships.
Research on the Effects of ACEs on Adults
Decades of research have confirmed that unresolved childhood trauma is not just an emotional burden, it has serious consequences for mental health, physical health, and socioeconomic outcomes.
Childhood Trauma Is More Common Than Previously Believed
A multi-decade research project, The Great Smoky Mountain Study, demonstrated that childhood trauma is far more common than previously thought. At least 60% of the children who were interviewed experienced at least one traumatic event by the age of 16. Trauma affected boys, girls, and different racial/ethnic groups at similar rates [1].
The study reported that childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of [2]:
- Higher rates of adult psychiatric disorders in adulthood
- Difficulties transitioning to adulthood, such as job instability and social withdrawal
- Diminished physical health
- Financial instability
- Social challenges in adulthood
The effects of childhood trauma compounded—meaning the more the trauma exposures, the greater the negative impact in adulthood. The authors noted that trauma exposure is common, but early intervention can prevent long-term damage.
Childhood Trauma Increases Risk of Chronic Illness
A 2005 study analyzing 130,000 Canadian adults found a direct link between childhood trauma and chronic health conditions. The research revealed that adults with a history of childhood trauma had significantly higher rates of chronic illness. Childhood trauma was also found to contribute to lower levels of mental health and socioeconomic disadvantages. [3]
ACEs Increase Risk of Chronic Pain
A 75-year international study involving 826,452 adults found that individuals who experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect, were 45% more likely to suffer from chronic pain and disability. The researchers stressed the importance of understanding biological mechanisms linking ACEs to lifelong health issues, calling for targeted intervention strategies 4.
Childhood Trauma Affects the Adult Brain
A 2023 brain imaging study examined how different types of childhood trauma affect adult brain function. The study found that childhood neglect affects brain regions responsible for cognition, executive function, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving. Childhood abuse alters brain regions related to emotional regulation and defense systems.
Different ACEs impact different types of brain processing and underlie potentially different risks of mental health disorders in adulthood such as depression and anxiety [5].
Trauma-Informed Therapies at Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness
Trauma can feel isolating and overwhelming, but effective treatment is available. Whether through therapy, medication, or holistic practices, recovery is possible. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists who are here to provide comprehensive support.
We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer individualized treatment options. Healing starts with taking the first step. Reach out to our Admissions team today.
Sources
[1] Copeland, W. 2019. Multi-decade Study Found Childhood Trauma Exposure Common, Raising Health Risks in Adulthood. Brain & Behavior Foundation.
[2] Copeland WE, Shanahan L, Hinesley J, et al. Association of Childhood Trauma Exposure With Adult Psychiatric Disorders and Functional Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open. 2018;1(7)
[3] Mock SE, Arai SM. Childhood trauma and chronic illness in adulthood: mental health and socioeconomic status as explanatory factors and buffers. Front Psychol. 2011 Jan 31;1:246
[4] Childhood trauma increases risk of chronic pain in adulthood. 2023. McGill Newsroom.
[5] Cai J. et al. 2023. Long-term effects of childhood trauma subtypes on adult brain function. Brain Behav. 2023 May;13(5):e2981
