A staggering 14.1 trillion dollars is spent annually to deal with the repercussions of childhood trauma in adults.
A 2023 study from the Journal of the Medical Association (JAMA) sheds light on the true impact of these adverse childhood events. Every year, $183 billion goes to direct medical care. Additionally, lost life years add up to another 13.9 trillion for the 64% of American adults affected by childhood trauma.
That amounts to approximately $88,000 per affected adult annually, or $2.4 million over each affected individual’s lifetime.
These high costs are comparable to the well-documented money spent on chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. It’s important to understand the potential economic burden that untreated childhood trauma can have on individuals and society as a whole. Then steps can be made to address and possibly help prevent or lower these costs.
How Childhood Trauma Affects Lives Long-Term
Individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to partake in risky behaviors. Those exposed to trauma are more susceptible to substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, disordered eating, and self-injury. Other behavioral issues that stem from trauma and abuse include poor emotional regulation, ill-adapted avoidance strategies, poor stress management, and disturbed sleep.
The study identifies links among the magnitude, density, and frequency of adverse childhood events and health-related risks. While this varies with each child, traumatic events can lead to significant mental health problems later in life.
Tackle Adverse Events in Childhood
Early intervention and treatment for childhood trauma is necessary, the JAMA study notes. The long-term consequences of untreated trauma can lead to a lifetime of physical, mental, and emotional health problems.
Tackling adverse events and aiding young abuse victims requires a multi-faceted approach that utilizes prevention and trauma-informed treatment strategies. These strategies must address issues directly while a child is still young. However, this poses a challenge, as many children may not have access to resources or support that can help them cope with and overcome trauma.
Early Identification of At-Risk Children
Preventing long-term consequences of childhood trauma requires early identification of at-risk children. Any potential risk factors — neglect, abuse, or household dysfunction — must be identified and addressed.
Identification is complex and may require collaboration between teachers, healthcare providers, and social workers. Creating a supportive environment and providing adequate resources for at-risk children can positively impact long-term well-being.
Provide Resources and Support
Early intervention and treatment are still essential for those who have already experienced adverse childhood events. Effective interventions like therapy and support groups can help individuals cope with past trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Understanding cultural context and individual needs contributes to support efficacy and resilience building in those affected by childhood trauma.
Early identification and intervention can save society from bearing the heavy economic burden of untreated childhood trauma. It also gives individuals a chance to persevere and lead healthier, happier lives.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Not all treatments for childhood trauma are created equal. Evidence-based treatment is essential in ensuring the most effective and successful interventions. This involves using research-backed strategies and techniques tailored to each individual’s needs.
A 2019 Journal of Child Adolescent Trauma report notes the importance of professionally guided Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT. Experts have found evidence-based benefits of one-on-one therapy and parent-child therapy.
Similar treatment works well for adults who have experienced childhood trauma. Acceptance — understanding it is OK to feel angry or sad about past events — is a critical treatment element. Individuals can work to heal, understand potential triggers, and build resilience after they consciously accept and acknowledge intense emotions.
Break the Cycle of Childhood Trauma
While untreated childhood trauma affects the individual, it also has a ripple effect on family and future generations. Children exposed to adversity may develop a heightened risk of becoming perpetrators of abuse themselves, continuing the cycle of abuse and the risk of behavioral problems for future victims.
Breaking abuse cycles requires addressing and preventing childhood trauma, ultimately creating healthier, more resilient individuals and communities. Investing in early intervention and effective treatment strategies can lessen the economic burden of untreated childhood trauma and create a better collective future.
