What is developmental trauma?
A simple definition of developmental trauma is trauma that occurs before the age of 18. However, it’s more complicated than that. When we’re talking about developmental trauma, we’re typically discussing repeated or chronic interpersonal trauma that is often deliberate that happened before the age of 18. Developmental trauma is especially significant because it happens when the brain is undergoing its most explosive growth and as a result, the brain can “get stuck” in that developmental stage. What this means for trauma survivors is that even as adults, parts of their brain might not have matured and are still functioning the way they did in childhood.
The impact of developmental trauma in adulthood
Developmental trauma can actually reduce the size and functioning of several areas of the brain. One of those areas is the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that processes and stores memory. (See this post for more on the impact of trauma on memory.) The amygdala is also impacted by trauma. The amygdala is involved in processing emotions—particularly fear. When faced with a threat, the amygdala signals the body to get ready to fight, flee, or freeze. The amygdala’s job is to alert us to danger so that we survive. In someone who has experienced developmental trauma, the amygdala can get “stuck” in the on position, continually signaling that we are in a life threatening situation. This is why some people feel like they’re in a chronic state of red alert. Their brain can’t relax. It’s always in overdrive.
Adults who have experienced developmental trauma may develop Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or cPTSD ,which is characterized by difficulties in emotional regulation, memory difficulties, distorted views of the self and other people, a negative view of the world, isolation, and negative effects on the meaningfulness of life. They might experience intrusive memories of the trauma as flashbacks or nightmares. They might have trouble regulating their emotions or turn to alcohol or substance abuse to numb their feelings. As a last resort, they might even attempt suicide. In addition, people who have experienced trauma as a child can experience comorbid conditions, such as: major depression, anxiety, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, chronic pain, and other health problems.
In addition, people who have experienced developmental trauma can experience comorbid conditions, such as: major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, chronic pain, and other health problems.
Symptoms & Types of Developmental Trauma
As mentioned above, developmental trauma typically isn’t something that happens once and then it’s over—like a car accident. Instead, most developmental trauma is repeated over a long period of time, and it’s caused by another person—typically someone the child should be able to trust. Some examples of developmental trauma include: physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; parental abandonment; having a parent with substance use disorder; or not having adequate shelter, enough food, or clean clothes to wear.
In addition to those mentioned above, additional symptoms of developmental trauma in adults can include:
Deep-seated sense of shame
A sense of powerlessness
Feelings of hopelessness and despair
Hyper-vigilance and unexplained fear
Feeling isolated and disconnected from others
is there hope?
The good news is that, Yes!, there is hope. The same brain undergoes such explosive growth between birth and the mid-twenties continues to develop and change throughout our life. This means that with proper treatment, we can create new neural pathways for the brain that lead to a felt sense of safety and connection for trauma survivors. However, this doesn’t happen overnight. In the same way that it takes time to carve a new path through an overgrown wood (and for the old path to become overgrown), creating a new path for our brain to follow, and learning to bypass the path created by trauma, takes time. But it is possible to live free from the effects of trauma.
To get started, contact a counselor who specializes in trauma treatment. Look for someone who understands the brain’s response to trauma and can explain that response to you. Steer clear of anyone who promises you an overnight fix. Just as the body takes time to heal from physical trauma, the brain takes time to heal from psychological trauma. Finally, stay hopeful. The hard part—the trauma itself—is over. Now is time for healing.
