Our clinical understanding of trauma and related disorders has changed a lot in the past 10 years or so. We’ve learned how responses vary across age groups. We also know that emotional neglect and unstable caregiver relationships, as well as specific events, can cause trauma. 

The impact of trauma is different from person to person. Background and experiences affect how individuals process trauma. Some people are able to process traumatic experiences right away. Others gain more distance from their experiences by dissociating or suppressing traumatic memories. Symptoms may appear immediately or take years to surface.

Childhood trauma can significantly impact adult lives, especially when left untreated. This article sheds some light on eight conditions related to childhood trauma. 

What mental health conditions can result from childhood trauma?

Each person’s relationship to their trauma is unique. It might be helpful to think of the range of symptoms on a broad spectrum. It’s hard to create a definitive list of symptoms or conditions a trauma survivor may experience. Unresolved trauma can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative disorders, attachment disorders and social difficulties. About 80% of people with PTSD also meet criteria for other mental health conditions. 

Many of the conditions we’ll discuss share symptoms from broad categories like dissociation, intrusive memories and avoidance. Some people become withdrawn in response to their trauma. Others may show less inhibition in some settings. This is why personalized treatment from compassionate care providers is necessary. 

8 trauma disorders that affect children and teens

A person’s beliefs, history, culture and other factors can affect their responses to trauma. Anxiety and depression are common among people with a history of childhood trauma. Some have relationship issues or behavioral problems like substance use and disordered eating as well. 

It’s important to note that complex PTSD (CPTSD)and secondhand trauma don’t appear in the DSM-5. However, the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision) includes CPTSD. The World Health Organization publishes this resource. More symptoms and a dissociative subtype were added to the DSM-5 to accommodate more people. 

Survivors of childhood trauma may develop symptoms that align with these conditions:

• Complex PTSD — Caused by ongoing trauma, CPTSD can lead to recklessness, self-destructive behaviors and persistent negative emotions. This group may be more likely to show recklessness, self-destructive behavior or dissociation. They can have persistent negative emotions like fear, horror, anger, guilt or shame. 
• Dissociative disorders — Depersonalization is when a person feels detached from themselves or their physical body. Derealization is feeling separated from the world or one’s experience of it. These disorders may come with changes in emotional responsiveness, numbing, reduced awareness, or issues with memory. Some examples include dissociative identity disorder and depersonalization/derealization disorder.
• PTSD — People with PTSD experience intrusive thoughts, memories and flashbacks related to their trauma. They may experience chronic stress or negative moods, and they may have intense reactions. For instance, some have a heightened startle response. Triggering situations can cause great distress. People with PTSD may use a lot of energy staying vigilant and avoiding triggers.
• Secondhand trauma — Secondhand trauma happens upon learning about traumas a friend or family member has experienced. It’s common among children, care workers and other groups that may be more vulnerable to exposure. 
• Acute stress disorder — This short-term condition can develop after traumatic events or secondhand trauma. It features many of the same types of symptoms as PTSD. These include dissociation, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, arousal, negative moods, significant stress and impairment.
• Reactive attachment disorder — Children and teens can develop this condition after receiving insufficient care. It involves chronic feelings of fear and sadness, frequent changes in caregivers, or exposure to unusual settings. People with this condition may be emotionally withdrawn or show limited affect. They may have fewer social inhibitions around unfamiliar adults.
• Disinhibited social engagement disorder — This condition used to be a subtype of reactive attachment disorder. It focuses on impulsive behavior and reduced reticence or a lack of social inhibitions.
• Adjustment disorders — Children and teens may respond to persistent stress with acute or chronic adjustment disorders. These involve intense depression, anxiety, disturbed conduct or a combination. After six months, clinicians may consider other conditions like PTSD.

Learn more about how Lightfully Teen helps young people heal from trauma

Our comprehensive treatment programs offer a higher level of care than outpatient therapy. We take a unique approach called process-based therapy (PBT) to create a personalized plan for each client. We combine the most effective aspects of evidence-based treatments to target past traumas. At the same time, our compassionate clinicians help clients prepare for a brighter future.

We offer three levels of treatment for teens:

• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — Our Teen IOP includes three to six hours of individual and group treatment per day.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — In Teen PHP, clients sleep at home and commute for five full days a week in treatment.
• Residential Treatment (RTC) — Our Teen RTCs provide 24-hour care with overnight nursing.

Recovering after childhood trauma takes time, but there’s hope. If you’re seeking treatment for a loved one, we can help you get started. Get in touch with an Admissions Counselor today.