Trauma and Brain Development
Research shows that having trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), causes unhealthy levels of stress, called toxic stress. These high levels of stress, which are frequent and prolonged, can dramatically change how the brain develops and increase the risk of health and social problems throughout a lifetime.
Adults with four or more ACEs were more likely to:
– Have poor mental health for 14 days or more in the previous month
– Have been diagnosed with depression
– Have difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions due to a physical, emotional, or mental condition
– Engage in HIV risk behaviors
1. Physical
2. Psychological
3. Sexual
NEGLECT
4. Physical
5. Psychological
6. Substance abuse in home
7. Family member with mental illness
8. Incarcerated family member
9. Separation/divorce
10.Domestic violence
Davis, V.N., Bayakly, A.R., Chosewood, D., Drenzek, C. 2018 Data Summary: Adverse Childhood Experiences. Georgia Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Section, Chronic Disease, Healthy Behaviors, and Injury Epidemiology Unit