Childhood Trauma: Types, Causes, Signs, & Treatments

What Is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma can look very different depending on the situation and the individual. However, trauma generally occurs when children experience, witness, or hear about threatening or dangerous situations. These events can be isolated or occur in series but may impact individuals into adulthood.²

Traumatic events in childhood cause various reactions, such as traumatic shock, and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Still, not every child will develop PTSD. The duration and perceived severity of trauma, in conjunction with protective factors, play a large part in how children cope with these events.

Childhood trauma involves the following components:

• The event: The “event” is the traumatic experience that occurs during childhood, which could include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence.
• The experience: The experience of childhood trauma usually involves feelings of powerlessness, fear, and a lack of safety or stability.
• The effect: The effect of childhood trauma is how the child responds to the event. Some may learn to cope with trauma, while others may develop childhood PTSD, anxiety, depression, or self-destructive behaviors.

What Is Child Traumatic Stress?

Child traumatic stress is a term describing the psychological and emotional responses a child may exhibit after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These children often lose their sense of safety and security, leading to various emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.

How Common Is Childhood Trauma?

Millions of children deal with traumatic events, whether at school, at home, or in their communities. Over 680,000 children in the United States were abused or neglected in 2015, with 17% of those between 12 and 17 reporting physical abuse.¹ In-person and cyberbullying are also common for high school students, and 25% engaged in at least one physical altercation. Finally, over 50% of families report being impacted by disaster.

What Are Traumatic Experiences?

Traumatic experiences are events or situations that threaten physical or emotional well-being, sometimes overwhelming the ability to cope. As with other age groups, childhood experiences of abuse, neglect, war, death, or natural disasters can trigger a trauma response. Because many children have not developed coping skills, processing these occurrences can be challenging, frequently leading to long-term mental health impacts.

Some situations that could be potentially traumatic for a child include:

• Institutional racism in schools or communities
• Living with a parent/caregiver with significant mental illness
• Loss of a loved one due to various circumstances (i.e., death, divorce, separation)
• National disasters or terrorism
• Parental incarceration
• Violence in the home, school, or community
• Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence
• Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse

What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events children face before the age of 18. Examples of ACEs include physical or sexual abuse, emotional neglect, witnessing domestic violence, substance abuse in the household, or parental separation and divorce, all of which can contribute to adverse effects on well-being and development.

Signs & Symptoms of Childhood Trauma

The signs of trauma and PTSD in children can vary greatly. Every child may respond differently to these events, depending on their age, developmental level, support system, and type of trauma.³ However, parents should note changes in behavior, academic performance, appetite, or sleep patterns after a significant, distressing, or life-changing event.

Signs & Symptoms of Childhood Trauma

Signs of Childhood Trauma in Adults

Adults who have experienced childhood trauma may exhibit distressing symptoms, such as flashbacks, intrusive memories, and heightened anxiety. Many have chronic feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression, commonly leading to difficulties trusting others and forming secure attachments. Some may also struggle with self-destructive behaviors, turning to substances to cope with their trauma. Low self-esteem, shame, and guilt could also indicate underlying trauma.

Signs of childhood trauma in adulthood may include:

• Poor, unfulfilling, or chaotic relationships
• Lack of trust in others
• Mood changes and emotional instability
• Problems with focus, attention, and concentration
• Problematic substance use
• Anger and aggression

Impacts of Childhood Trauma

If not addressed, childhood trauma can have lasting impacts on different aspects of life, including relationships, mental health, and academic performance. Some children may struggle to trust others, leading to an inability to form and develop healthy connections. Others may have difficulties staying focused, thus impacting schoolwork and future career success. Childhood trauma can also manifest physically and increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, and other conditions.

Mental Health Impacts

Childhood trauma can significantly impact mental health. Individuals with early trauma histories may be at a higher risk for developing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. They may also experience difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse control, and forming secure attachments with others.

Relationship Issues

Childhood trauma can profoundly impact the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Trauma involving a trusted loved one, caregiver, or family member can shatter feelings of trust, safety, and security, meaning children are less likely to pursue connection with others later in life.

Additionally, childhood trauma can create deep fears of vulnerability and intimacy. Survivors may automatically expect others to betray or abandon them, leading to a tendency to push people away as a protective mechanism. Many also struggle to communicate their emotions and needs, contributing to misunderstandings and relationship conflict.

Difficulty in School

Exposure to traumatic experiences can affect learning and academic achievement. For example, children may avoid school and schoolwork or exhibit inattentiveness. They may also show a lack of respect for authority figures in the academic setting. These factors can impair their ability to focus and follow through on school assignments.

Physical Symptoms

The long-term effects of trauma on the body can disrupt the stress response system, leading to persistent inflammation and a greater vulnerability to physical illnesses. Individuals who have experienced trauma in childhood may be more prone to conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic pain, and autoimmune diseases.

Poor Future Outcomes

Trauma experienced in childhood can contribute to a cycle of adversity and difficulties, meaning achieving stability and well-being later in life is challenging. Adult survivors of childhood trauma may face a higher likelihood of financial problems, limited access to education and job opportunities, homelessness, and exposure to domestic or community violence.

Substance Use

Trauma can increase substance use as a coping mechanism to numb emotional pain or regain a sense of control. Many individuals with a history of childhood trauma turn to alcohol or drugs to temporarily alleviate distressing feelings and memories. However, substance use can further exacerbate mental health issues and create a cycle of dependence and addiction.

How to Help Children Cope With Trauma

Helping children cope with trauma requires a supportive and nurturing environment that addresses their emotional and psychological needs. Parents and caregivers should provide a safe and stable environment where children feel secure and loved. Establishing predictable routines, maintaining consistent boundaries, and ensuring their physical and emotional well-being are critical when fostering childhood development and success.

Below are ways parents and caregivers can help a child cope with and process trauma:

• Provide a safe space to talk: Create an environment where the child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without judgment or interruption. Doing so can help them process the trauma rather than allowing symptoms to continue without intervention.
• Validate their experience: Acknowledge and validate their emotions and experiences, letting them know their responses are normal after a traumatic event.
• Listen actively: Pay close attention to what the child says and show genuine interest and empathy when they share their feelings and concerns.
• Establish routines and predictability: Maintain consistent daily routines to create a sense of stability and security for the child.
• Foster a sense of control: Provide opportunities for them to have choices and autonomy in their daily life, helping them regain control over their environment.
• Encourage self-expression through art or writing: Sometimes, language and words cannot dictate internal experiences. Encourage the child to express their emotions through creative activities like drawing, painting, or writing.
• Teach relaxation techniques: Teach the child age-appropriate relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, to help them manage stress and anxiety.
• Seek professional help if needed: Consider seeking the support of a trained mental health professional specializing in trauma-focused therapy if your child exhibits characteristic symptoms of trauma.
• Limit exposure to triggers: Minimize exposure to reminders or triggers of the traumatic event, as doing so may help reduce their distress.
• Take care of yourself: As a caregiver, prioritize self-care to ensure you have the emotional and physical energy to support your child effectively.

Treatment for Childhood Trauma

Treatment for children exposed to trauma may vary, but healing from childhood trauma often includes therapy and developmentally appropriate techniques, such as art therapy for children.

In addition to PTSD, trauma may influence ADHD, anxiety, or depression in children. Parents and caregivers should consult a child pediatrician or psychiatrist if they believe their children experience these conditions.

Therapy Options

Various therapy options are available for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. Each approach focuses on different aspects of trauma recovery, but some may be more suitable for specific individuals or situations. Consult a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate option based on individual needs and circumstances. You can start finding the right therapist in an online therapist directory.

Below are therapy options for addressing childhood trauma:

• The child and family traumatic stress intervention (CFTSI): CFTSI can reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms and support parents by increasing communication amongst and providing healthy coping strategies for children.⁴
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): The main goal of CPT is to help clients decrease thoughts that prevent them from thriving and healing after a traumatic event.⁵
• Narrative exposure therapy (NET): NET seeks to reframe trauma by recounting life events in ways that focus on positive self-talk.⁵
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): Specifically designed for children, TF-CBT combines psychoeducation and cognitive techniques to teach children and caregivers to express themselves, deal with stressors, develop relaxation skills, and create and process trauma narratives.⁶
• Sensorimotor psychotherapy: The goal of sensorimotor psychotherapy is to address and heal ongoing psychological and physical difficulties related to trauma by integrating body movement into traditional talk therapy.

Medication

Medications for PTSD often include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are not safe for everyone, especially when children have co-occurring disorders that require medications that can interact with SSRIs. Parents should discuss the risks and benefits of pharmaceutical treatment with a qualified and licensed professional.

When to Seek Professional Help

Parents and caregivers should provide support and seek professional help for a child exposed to a traumatic event. The first step should be to visit their pediatrician to assess symptoms and out rule physical or medical illness. Many pediatricians can provide contact information for mental health providers specializing in child and adolescent counseling.

Below are signs to seek professional support for your child:

• Social withdrawal
• Increased aggression or irritability
• Persistent anxiety or fearfulness
• Changes in sleep patterns (i.e., difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or frequent night waking)
• Regression in behavior (i.e., bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or tantrums)
• Decline in academic performance
• Physical complaints (i.e., headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue)
• Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic event