developmental trauma and physical health

In my last blog post, I focused on developmental trauma and its life-long impact on physical and mental health. In this post I want to look a little deeper at the connection between developmental trauma and physical health. Between 1995 and 1997 the CDC and Kaiser Permanente conducted a study investigating the connection between developmental trauma (called Adverse Childhood Experiences - ACEs - in the study) and health and wellbeing later in life. Over 17,000 people participated in the study and the results were concerning. 

The Statistics

Researchers found that 61% of people have experienced at least one traumatic event before the age of 18, and 16% (that’s 1 in 6 adults) have experienced four or more ACEs.  They also found that ACEs were linked to the development of: heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and many autoimmune diseases later in life. In addition, ACEs were linked with: depression, violence, being a victim of violence, and suicide.  In fact, the research shows that ACEs are associated with at least 5 of the 10 leading causes of death. 

Even worse, the effect is compounded. In people who have experienced 4 or more ACEs, the likelihood of chronic pulmonary lung disease increased 390%; hepatitis 240%; depression 460%; and attempted suicide 1,220%. In addition, they are twice as likely to be smokers and 7 times more likely to be alcoholic. Finally, those with an ACE score of 6 or higher are at risk of their lifespan being shortened by 20 years.

How does this happen?

Living in a red alert mode for months, or years, can damage our bodies. In a red alert state, the body pumps out adrenaline and cortisol continuously. Over time, the constant presence of adrenaline and cortisol keep blood pressure high, which weakens the heart and circulatory system. Adrenaline and cortisol also keep glucose levels high to provide enough energy for the heart and muscles to act quickly--which can lead to type 2 diabetes and increase cholesterol. Too much cortisol can lead to osteoporosis, arthritis, gastrointestinal disease, depression, anorexia nervosa, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and the shrinkage of lymph nodes, which leads to the inability to ward off infections.

If the red alert system is always on, eventually the adrenal glands give out, and the body can’t produce enough cortisol to keep up with the demand. This may cause the immune system to attack parts of the body, which can lead to lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

In addition, if you experience another traumatic event, your body might have trouble returning to a normal state. Over time, you may become more sensitive to trauma or stress, developing a hair-trigger response to events that other people shrug off, which just keeps the cycle going.

What Can you Do?

First of all, know your ACEs score. You can take the quiz here.

Second, consider contacting a trauma-informed counselor to work through any trauma you’ve experienced. While trauma does impact us both physically and mentally, studies have shown that there are protective factors that can mitigate the impact of trauma.

Finally, if you feel safe doing so, connect with others who’ve had similar experiences. One of the most difficult things to deal with when it comes to trauma is the sense of isolation that often accompanies it. However, reaching out to others breaks that feeling of isolation and helps healing begin.