Child will usually react to any stressful stimuli with a range of angry and emotional expression (e.g. aggressive behavior or fighting with caregivers/peers).

Abuse Effects on Toddlers

Boys tend to externalize their emotions through expressions of anger, aggression, and verbal bullying. Girls tend to internalize their emotions by being depressed and socially withdrawn, and may have somatic symptoms like headaches and abdominal pain.

Abuse Effects on Preschoolers

Abused children often have trouble with school (e.g. poor academic performance, a lack of interest in school, poor concentration during classes, and limited friendships). Aside from school, these children might also demonstrate poor self esteem, suicidal/self-destructive, attention-seeking, delinquent, depressive, or anxious behavior.

Abuse Effects at Primary School Age

Any previous displays of depression, anxiety, or social withdrawal might be amplified. Abused adolescents might run away to perceived “safer” environments, engage in risky behavior (smoking, drinking alcohol, early sexual activity, using drugs, prostitution, homelessness, gang involvement, and carrying guns).

Abuse Effects in Adolescence

Childhood Trauma Effects References

- Toddler Age 
- Preschool Age
- Primary School Age
- Adolescence

Boston University

Abuse is when an individual intentionally torments another individual either physically or emotionally. This can make one more vulnerable to depression later on. 

Abuse

Behavioural consequences of child abuse. (2013). Canadian Family Physician, 59, 831–836.

Behavioural consequences of child abuse

Buckingham, E. T., & Daniolos, P. (2013). Longitudinal Outcomes for Victims of Child Abuse. Current Psychiatry Reports, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-012-0342-3

Longitudinal Outcomes for Victims of Child Abuse

Interpersonal trauma is a type of trauma that occurs in one’s relationships with other individuals. Events that can cause interpersonal trauma include physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, loss of a loved one, etc. 

Interpersonal Trauma

- Physical 
- Emotional
- Sexual
- Psychological/Mental
- Financial/Economic
- Cultural/Identity

Types of Abuse

In infancy, damage includes mental retardation, hearing difficulties, visual problems, learning disabilities, and cognitive dysfunction. Exposure to abuse at any point in life, however, negatively correlates with gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, amygdala, sensory association cortices and cerebellum.

Effects of Abuse on Brain Structure

- Depression
- PTSD
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

Common Mental Disorders Following Abuse

- Psychotherapy
- Play therapy
- Psychotropic medications

Combination psychotherapy and psycho-pharmacotherapy is the most effective treatment strategy.

Treatment Options for Abuse Victims

During childhood, individual is exposed to neglect, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse that leaves them vulnerable to developmental problems into adulthood

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