Effects Of Complex Trauma

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Trauma is an overwhelming experience that causes injury to a person's psychological state of mind. Complex trauma, on the other hand, is a term used by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). In which an increased emphasis is placed on the impact of multiple traumatizing events that occur during child development stages. As well as an increase in sensitivity of those traumas involving close personal relationships, such as caregivers and siblings (Forkey 3). Children exposed to complex trauma suffer from detrimental short-term and long-term effects on every aspect of their child development. These effects significantly impact their overall "quality of life," specifically affecting areas of cognitive functioning, neurobiological …show more content…

These three defense mechanisms allow the child to at least form an attachment bond with the caregivers, even if it is an unhealthy one. Denial is the refusal to accept the reality of things. Regression is when a child reverts to early stages of life such as thumb sucking. Dissociation is the separation of traumatizing events from memory. The use of these defense mechanisms short-term may serve as a protective barrier for the psyche and decrease the damaging effects of trauma. But long-term use will consequently lead to internal confusion and conflict (Hosier 1). Many children learn to use multiple defense mechanisms interchangeably to cope with complex trauma throughout their childhood. Moreover, Complex trauma is a leading factor in many health issues and diagnoses such as ADHD, ADD, Anxiety disorder, Borderline disorder, depression, bipolar, and PTSD. The list of possible diagnoses is endless, and finding proper treatment is a struggle. In 2013, a Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) was proposed, with a complete diagnosis description and criteria, for consideration for the DSM-5. But unfortunately, even with 20-year supporting research accompanying the proposal, the disorder still goes unrecognized as a formal diagnosis (Kilrain …show more content…

“Tutorial 7 · Recognizing and Addressing Trauma in Infants, Young Children, and Their Families.” Trauma Signs and Symptoms, 3 Dec. 2017, www.ecmhc.org/tutorials/trauma/mod3_1.html. Hosier, David. “Defense Mechanisms.” Childhood Trauma Recovery, 20 June 2013, 10:16 am, childhoodtraumarecovery.com/tag/defense-mechanisms/. Hutchison, Sandra B. Effects of and Interventions for Childhood Trauma from Infancy through Adolescence: Pain Unspeakable. Haworth Maltreatment and Trauma Press, 2005. Kilrain, Maureen V. “Developmental Trauma Disorder: the Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect.” Clinical Advisor, 29 June 2017, www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/child-maltreatment-and-dtd/article/654653. Lanius, Ruth A., et al. The Impact of Early Life Trauma on Health and Disease: the Hidden Epidemic. Cambridge University Press, 2011. Lemoncelli, John, and Robert S. Shaw. Healing from Childhood Abuse: Understanding the Effects, Taking Control to Recover. ABC-CLIO, 2012. Lemoncelli, John, and Robert S. Shaw. Healing from Childhood Abuse: Understanding the Effects, Taking Control to Recover. ABC-CLIO,

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