Developmental trauma is a form of complex trauma that arises in early childhood due to structural insecurity and/or emotional unavailability of the parents.
Possible causes of structural insecurity include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect
- Abandonment
Emotional unavailability of parents leads to a feeling of:
- Rejection
- Judgment
- Abandonment
Developmental trauma can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Physical complaints
- Stress
- Social isolation
- Relationship difficulties
- Problems at work or school
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Difficulty processing information
Developmental trauma is often difficult to recognize because the symptoms also occur in other conditions. Some signs that may indicate developmental trauma include:
- You often feel anxious, depressed, or angry
- You struggle to trust others
- You have difficulty regulating your emotions
- You find it hard to process information
- You struggle to form and maintain relationships
- You have difficulty finding your place in the world
If you think you may be struggling with developmental trauma, it is important to seek professional help. A psychologist or therapist can help you recognize and treat the symptoms of developmental trauma.
Sources:
- The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS): https://www.istss.org/
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): https://www.nctsn.org/
- The American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/