[Trauma in childhood--risks for the child's development]

Studies of early childhood traumatic experiences have clearly established a causal relationship between the experience of childhood psychic trauma and long-term effects on cognitive emotional und social development. Children exposed to chronic trauma can have difficulty regulating their emotions as well as difficulty knowing and describing their feelings. Symptom formation and psychopathology up to long-term effects on personality development result in high numbers of emotional disorders like depression, anxiety and phobic disorders and co-morbid conditions like alcohol and drug abuse and antisocial behaviour. More intermediate-term consequences of childhood trauma are likely to reside in higher rates of risk for the development of conduct disorders, higher rates of teenage pregnancy, school droop out, and involvement with the juvenile court jurisdiction because of law violations. Early psychosocial interventions and trauma specific therapy along the developmental needs of children and adolescents and the opportunity for appropriate interventions to the specific needs of traumatised children are necessary at any point in time. To meet a child needs in daily life after traumatic experience different times of support and therapy are needed and involves parents, teachers, social workers and therapists as well. Clear cooperation and collaboration between care givers and mental health professionals are needed. Mental health professionals should be advisors for educators and all people concerned with the well being of children.