Evidence-Based Reviews

The lasting effects of childhood trauma

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References

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. NMDA receptor function decline has also been hypothesized to decrease the reconsolidation symptoms of PTSD.29 One study examined the prevalence of PTSD in service members who were treated for burns in a military treatment center.33 The use of the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine lowered the prevalence of PTSD among service members who were treated for burns.The suggested mechanism is preventing memory consolidation after trauma exposure.33

Bottom Line

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strong predictors for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health or medical issues in late adolescence and adulthood. Experiencing a higher number of ACEs increases the risk of developing PTSD as an adult. Timely psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions can help limit symptoms and reduce the severity of PTSD.

Related Resources

  • Smith P, Dalglesih T, Meiser-Stedman R. Practitioner review: posttraumatic stress disorder and its treatment in children and adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2019;60(5):500-515.
  • North CS, Hong BA, Downs DL. PTSD: a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment. Current Psychiatry 2018;17(4):35-43.

Drug Brand Names

Duloxetine • Cymbalta
Fluoxetine • Prozac
Mirtazapine • Remeron
Paroxetine • Paxil
Prazosin • Minipress
Propranolol • Inderal, Pronol
Sertraline • Zoloft
Venlafaxine • Effexor

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