PERSISTENCE OF HARMFUL CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA IN ADOLESCENCE AND ADULT LIFE: BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS, CLINICAL EXAMPLES

Abstract

In this article, I will briefly present the biological mechanisms of the impact of psychological trauma on the child’s brain, referring especially to the developmental consequences occurring in adolescence and adulthood. I will then describe a range of relational, behavioral and emotional problems, as well as mental disorders and illnesses related to the biological consequences of trauma. I will cite the results of quantitative research conducted in groups large enough to justify the view of regularities in the consequences of childhood trauma in adolescence and adulthood. I will illustrate the main theses of the article using two clinical examples from my own psychotherapeutic and supervisory practice conducted over several years, which allowed me to observe how trauma influenced the fate of child patients as they matured and entered adulthood. Finally, I will propose two conclusions regarding the practical usefulness of understanding the described regularities and taking them into account in building the concept of post-traumatic resilience.