New research suggests that childhood trauma can lead to stress dysregulation in adults, making them more vulnerable to mental and physical health disorders.
The study, presented at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Conference, found that adults who experienced childhood trauma had higher levels of bodily stress dysregulation, including cortisol and inflammation, particularly if the trauma was severe.
The study analyzed data from nearly 3,000 participants and found that childhood trauma was associated with elevated cytokine levels even after adjusting for other factors.
The findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving stress system functioning and promoting a healthy lifestyle could help individuals with a history of childhood trauma.
Further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms that link childhood trauma and poor health outcomes.
