Overview. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
It is well-known that emotional and psychological trauma can have a lasting impact on those affected. Much attention has been given to the psychological health effects of trauma, such as the onset and development of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Chronic Illness
According to studies, the more ACEs a child experiences, the greater the risk of them later developing conditions that are among the leading causes of death in adults, e.g. cancer, chronic lung disease, and heart disease.
There are absolutely health impacts from unresolved trauma. Unresolved trauma puts people at increased risk for mental health diagnoses, which run the gamut of anxiety, depression and PTSD. There are physical manifestations as well, such as cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, stroke or heart attacks.
It can lead to persistent feelings of sadness, lack of interest in activities, and difficulty experiencing pleasure. Adults who experienced traumatic events as children may have recurring nightmares, and flashbacks, or may feel a like they're in a constant state of danger.
Increasing evidence suggests a link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health. Stress disorders may lead to impairment of the immune system and subsequent autoimmune disease.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common, frequently chronic, and disabling condition which, along with acute stress disorder (ASD), is categorized as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder by the DSM-5.
Traumatic reactions can include a variety of responses, such as intense and ongoing emotional upset, depressive symptoms or anxiety, behavioral changes, difficulties with self-regulation, problems relating to others or forming attachments, regression or loss of previously acquired skills, attention and academic ...
Chronic stress is linked to other conditions, both psychological and physical. These can include: Diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome, Type II diabetes, and arthritis.
Disorders of the tendons and of their protective coverings, called synovial sheaths, are among the most common types of CTDs. Symptoms include dull aching sensations over the tendons, tenderness to the touch, discomfort with certain movements and sometimes disabling pain.
The symptoms of unresolved trauma may include, among many others, addictive behaviors, an inability to deal with conflict, anxiety, confusion, depression or an innate belief that we have no value.
Some researchers think biological changes in people with trauma and stress affect the immune system through more inflammation, activated genes, and faster aging of immune cells. All of these factors show a relationship between painful experiences and autoimmune conditions.
One study found a link between the number and type of childhood traumas and the development of personality disorders. People with borderline personality disorder, for example, had especially high rates of childhood sexual trauma.
Traumatic stress disorder, mainly PTSD, is related to the immune response, including increases in inflammatory factors and decreases in anti-inflammatory factors. In addition, it has been demonstrated that PTSD and immune diseases have a common genetic basis at the gene expression level.
The effects of unhealed childhood wounds are widespread and can manifest in different ways in our adult lives. Common issues that can arise include low self-esteem, difficulty forming relationships, addiction, depression, and anxiety.
A child who has experienced this type of trauma and holds much shame may show us behaviours such as: envy, anger, and anxiety, effects of sadness, depression, depletion, loneliness, isolation and avoidance. They will highlight to us their inadequacy, their powerlessness and at times their own self-disgust.
A study of young adults found that childhood trauma was significantly correlated with elevated psychological distress, increased sleep disturbances, reduced emotional well-being, and lower perceived social support.