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A brand new examine by a staff of researchers from the UK and Brazil has revealed a robust connection between childhood trauma and the event of psychiatric issues in adolescents dwelling in low-and middle-income international locations.
The analysis findings are primarily based on the 2004 Pelotas Delivery Cohort, Brazil, which has tracked greater than 4,000 kids born in Pelotas, a metropolis within the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, from delivery to age 18. Printed in The Lancet World Well being, the examine checked out how trauma publicity from childhood impacts danger for psychological well being issues throughout adolescence.
The outcomes confirmed that by age 18, 81% of the adolescents had been uncovered to some type of trauma, comparable to witnessing a violent crime, abuse or neglect. The extra various kinds of trauma skilled, the better the probabilities of adolescents growing psychological well being issues, notably anxiousness, temper, and conduct issues. By the age of 18, one third of all psychological issues had been doubtlessly defined by trauma publicity.
This examine builds upon the researchers’ earlier findings in the identical cohort, which confirmed that one in three kids dwelling in Pelotas had been uncovered to trauma by age 11, and that trauma was linked to the emergence of frequent childhood psychological well being issues.
Lead researcher Megan Bailey, from the Division of Psychology on the College of Bathtub, mentioned, “Our findings present that childhood trauma has a long-lasting influence on psychological well being, notably in low- and middle-income international locations the place trauma is quite common. Together with earlier research which have additionally proven these results in each younger individuals and adults in high-income international locations, it’s clear that childhood trauma publicity is a key danger issue for growing psychological well being issues throughout the board.
“Our finding that trauma accounts for at least 31% of all mental health problems by age 18 further underscores this relationship. Early interventions are critical to reduce exposure to trauma and help those most at risk of developing mental health disorders.”
In Pelotas, a city-led intervention program, the Pelotas Pact for Peace, was launched in 2017 to scale back city crime and violence by means of well being, schooling, and legal justice system tasks. Early evaluations of this intervention confirmed decrease charges of violent crimes after the intervention was carried out, although extra analysis is required to determine whether or not it additionally reduces the prevalence of psychological well being issues in younger individuals.
Co-author Dr. Graeme Fairchild, from the Division of Psychology on the College of Bathtub, commented, “This study demonstrates that childhood trauma has long-term consequences on mental health—and risk for mental health problems was seen across the board, with trauma-exposed youth at increased risk for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and severe antisocial behavior. The study highlights the urgent need for prevention strategies to reduce exposure to trauma in low- and middle-income countries and provide more effective support for traumatized children and teenagers.”
Co-author Professor Sarah Halligan, from the Division of Psychology on the College of Bathtub, added, “Childhood trauma is a robust predictor of poor adolescent mental health, and our work demonstrates that youth in low- and middle-income countries like Brazil may be particularly at risk. As well as efforts to prevent trauma exposure, we need to take steps, such as those being undertaken as part of the Pelotas Pact for Peace program, to limit its mental health consequences among youth. If left unaddressed, childhood trauma may have persistent negative consequences across the lifespan.”
In accordance with co-author Professor Alicia Matijasevich, from the College of São Paulo, Brazil, “Research on the impact of childhood trauma and maltreatment is critically important due to its profound implications for mental health and emotional development. These studies not only enhance our understanding of trauma’s far-reaching effects but also provide essential evidence to guide preventive strategies and interventions that can mitigate the long-term consequences of such adverse experiences.”
Extra data:
Associations between childhood trauma and adolescent psychiatric issues within the 2004 Pelotas Delivery Cohort, The Lancet World Well being (2025). DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00452-2
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College of Bathtub
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Childhood trauma strongly linked to psychological well being issues in Brazilian adolescents (2025, January 29)
retrieved 29 January 2025
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