Childhood traumas lead to mental health problems later in life: Now confirmed by scientists

Some bad moment from childhood can affect a person's adult life in many ways.

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute revealed a strong link between childhood psychological trauma and an increased risk of developing mental disorders in adulthood.

Let's find out more.

Huge research on traumas and mental health

Analyzing over 90,000 cases from 14 reviews and meta-analyses, the study showcased up to three times higher risk for those who experienced trauma during their childhood.

The most common traumas identified were all types of abuse, neglect, and also bullying.

These traumas were found to have damaging effects on the brain, leading to various mental disorders in adulthood.

Emotional abuse correlated closely with anxiety disorders, while other traumas were associated with psychosis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

The research also noted a four-fold increase in the risk of mental disorders for those who experienced trauma in adulthood, although less evidence was available for this aspect.

What to do now?

To improve mental health treatment, the researchers stressed the importance of considering patients' life histories to understand trauma-related factors.

Additionally, they called for proactive measures to prevent and address psychological trauma, such as educating families and combating bullying, which is a significant risk factor for mental disorders.
 

• Related news:
• research
• children
• trauma
• depression
• 6 August 2023

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