Trauma’s Neurobiological Toll: Implications for Clinical Work With Children

Abstract

Traumatic stress in childhood exacts a particularly high developmental toll. When traumatic experiences start early, continue chronically, and/or occur in conjunction with inadequate caretaking, neurobiological consequences intensify. Implicated brain regions include those mediating stress reactions, emotional arousal and regulation, attention, inhibition, impulse control, and various types of memory. To address those issues psychotherapeutically, treatment must comprehensively target underdeveloped or damaged neural networks. This article reviews current knowledge of the neurobiological and developmental affronts caused by traumatic stress during childhood and examines the various treatments and treatment implications for psychotherapeutic work with children.

KEYWORDS:

• trauma
• traumatic stress
• child development
• attachment
• neurobiology

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karen Zilberstein

Karen Zilberstein, MSW, is a child and family therapist and clinical director of the Northampton, MA, chapter of A Home Within, a national nonprofit devoted to providing pro bono psychotherapy to foster care youth and alumni.