Essay On Early Childhood Trauma

Trauma is becoming an increasing problem for our youth and impacts every facet of a child’s life. Numerous young children have been a victim of maltreatment with their own parents or caregivers responsible for the trauma. From early infancy through adulthood, trauma can impact how we view the world and ourselves. Trauma can alter how we process information and how we behave and respond to an event or environment. Trauma may include loss or lack of consistent caregivers, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, different forms of neglect and more. Early childhood maltreatment or exposure to trauma can impact the way the brain develops. As a result of reoccurring trauma, many children or adolescents may experience lifelong issues related to self-regulation, relationships, psychological symptoms, and problems with attention and consciousness, self-harm, self-esteem, identity and cognitive distortions.
Stateman-Wells reports that around 26 percent of children in the United States witness or experience trauma
Exposure to maltreatment is also associated with PTSD, anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, aggressive or violent behavior and means that there are two co-occurring issues. This study suggests that trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the best treatment for children following maltreatment. Trauma focused CBT is the best treatment of children exposed to maltreatment, it is effective in improving children's symptoms and safety skills. It was also noted that this is the best treatment for children in school and treatment can also be provided in a school setting. Leenarts, et al suggests that treatment should be in a phase approach due to maltreatment co-occurring with another psychopathology disorder such as PTSD. The phases should include stabilization, resolution of traumatic memory and personality integration and