![]() The DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of PTSD is made when criterion A, a Type A trauma, is experienced and when three clusters of categorical symptoms are present for more than one month after the traumatic event(s). This field builds on foundations of developmental psychopathology, developmental neuroscience, and stress and trauma research. Thus, we examine PTSD as a dimensional diagnosis encompassing a range of pathological reactions to severe stress, rather than as a dichotomous variable.ĭevelopmental traumatology, the systemic investigation of the psychiatric and psychobiological effects of chronic overwhelming stress on the developing child, provides the framework used in this critical review of the biological effects of pediatric trauma. The traditional categorical cluster of symptoms that form the diagnosis of PTSD are each associated with differences in biological stress symptoms and brain structure and function and are thought to individually contribute to delays in or deficits of multisystem developmental achievements in behavioral, cognitive and emotional regulation in traumatized children and lead to PTSS and co-morbidity. Childhood traumas, particularly those that are interpersonal, intentional, and chronic are associated with greater rates of PTSD, PTSS, depression and anxiety, antisocial behaviors and greater risk for alcohol and substance use disorders. In children, motor vehicle accidents, bullying, terrorism, exposure to war, child maltreatment (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse neglect) and exposure to domestic and community violence are common types of childhood traumas that result in distress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). ![]() This includes experiences of direct trauma exposure, witnessing trauma or learning about trauma that happened to a close friend or relative. For the purposes of this critical review, childhood trauma is defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and V as exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Trauma in childhood has serious consequences for its victims and for society. ![]() ![]() Finally, we offer suggestions for future researchers. Next, we review the neurobiology of trauma, its clinical applications and the biomarkers that may provide important tools for clinicians and researchers, both as predictors of posttraumatic stress symptoms and as useful tools to monitor treatment response. We also review relevant studies of animal models of stress to help us better understand the psychobiological effects of trauma during development. This article focuses primarily on the peer-reviewed literature on the neurobiological sequelae of childhood trauma in children and adults with histories of childhood trauma. Developmental traumatology, the systemic investigation of the psychiatric and psychobiological effects of chronic overwhelming stress on the developing child, provides a framework and principles when empirically examining the neurobiological effects of pediatric trauma.ĭespite the widespread prevalence of childhood trauma, less is known about trauma's biological effects in children as compared to adults with child trauma histories and even less is known about how these pediatric mechanisms underlie trauma's short-term and long-term medical and mental health consequences. Chronic interpersonal violence in children is common worldwide. Trauma in childhood is a grave psychosocial, medical, and public policy problem that has serious consequences for its victims and for society.
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