Manifestations of Developmental Trauma in Early Adulthood

Bruce Perry M.D., Ph.D.
The Childhood Trauma Academy

The organization and functioning of the human brain depends upon a highly complex set and sequence of environmental and developmental experiences.  However, this sequence is highly vulnerable to extreme, repetitive, or abnormal patterns of stress during critical periods of childhood brain development.  This stress can often permanently impair the activity of major brain functions, leading to profound and lasting neurobehavioral consequences.  Thus, early life developmental trauma can affect the health and quality of life throughout the lifespan.  This presentation will discuss how childhood trauma can lead to a variety of negative adult outcomes and behaviors such as substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, and depressive disorders.