INFLUENCE OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA ON MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

The impact of childhood trauma can or cannot leave lasting marks, manifesting in potential consequences throughout life. Psychological approaches to the unconscious highlight that traumatic experiences such as abuse, deprivation, physical violence, and neglect can affect both the social and emotional development of the victim, resulting in psychological disorders. In the Brazilian context, child maltreatment has been a growing concern. Ministry of Health data indicates that in 2011, 14,625 cases of domestic violence against children and adolescents were reported. Abandonment and sexual violence predominated among children aged 0 to 9, while physical and sexual violence were more common among those aged 10 to 19. Most perpetrators were identified as parents, family members, friends, or neighbors, making intrafamily violence particularly harmful due to the breach of trust with caregiving figures.

This literature review aims to analyze and synthesize available information on the influence of childhood trauma on mental health, focusing on the Brazilian context and public health policies related to this issue. We conducted a comprehensive search on reputable databases such as PubMed, SciELO, ARCA, and CABES Periodicals, using the terms "childhood trauma" and "mental disorders," combined with the boolean operator AND. The results indicate that the majority of patients were exposed to childhood adversities, and various past traumas showed a significant positive association with various dimensions of current symptoms. Studies highlight that sexual abuse is one of the main factors associated with mental disorders in adulthood. When occurring during childhood or adolescence, the impacts are even more pronounced, as traumatic events during this phase hinder cognitive development and can lead to a deeper assimilation of the events.

The significant number of adults seeking psychological assistance due to contemporary issues, with potential direct or indirect causal links to past traumas, underscores the importance of investigating early childhood traumas. The selected articles emphasize the association of these traumas with mental disorders in adulthood, highlighting the significant influence of childhood stimuli, which have a more intense and enduring relevance. Early recognition and appropriate intervention play a crucial role in preventing and treating the adverse effects of traumas in adulthood.