Childhood Trauma Can Last a Lifetime

Childhood trauma can cause harmful changes to the brain and nervous system over time. If left untreated, it can become a lifelong issue.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Children

• Intense and ongoing emotional upset
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Behavior changes
• Difficulties with impulse control
• Problems relating to others or forming attachments
• Loss of previously acquired skills
• Attention and academic difficulties
• Nightmares
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches and difficulty sleeping and eating

Common Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Older children, teens, and adults

• Abusing drugs or alcohol
• Behaving in risky ways
• Engaging in unhealthy sexual activity
• Acting aggressively
• Doing too much to please other people
• Hypervigilance—always being on high alert for danger
• Feelings of shame
• Engaging in criminal activity
• Having difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
• Dropping out of school
• Being unable to hold down a job and manage money
• Developing long-term health problems such as heart disease and diabetes

Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of childhood trauma. This can happen soon after the traumatic event or much later.

Learn how childhood trauma affects the nervous system—and what people can do about it.