Why an Integrative Mental Health (IMH) Consult for the Symptoms of Attachment Trauma?

Reducing the Mental and Physical Health Risks of Adverse Childhood Events (ACE’s)

In the mid-nineties, Kaiser Permanente researchers in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) examined the impact of childhood exposure to stress, abuse and neglect on patterns of health in later life.  The study arrived at chilling conclusions regarding the impact of intergenerational trauma and its repercussions as adverse childhood events (ACE’s). This research showed that a greater number of adverse childhood events (ACEs) predicted a greater likelihood of having complex physical, mental and risky behavioral issues throughout the lifespan such as physical inactivity, obesity/over-eating, smoking, alcohol and substance abuse.

Furthermore, early chronic stress and abuse correlated with anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms in adulthood.  Childhood trauma also increased the likelihood of negative health outcomes such as physical pain syndromes, gastro-intestinal disorders (IBS), diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and early death

Most importantly, the pathological sense of chronic aloneness that accompanies ACE’s negatively impacts the neurochemistry, structure and function of the child’s developing brain and nervous system in ways that are pernicious and that can last a lifetime without effective treatment.  Physiologic hyperarousal and hypervigilance become the entrenched baseline in the absence of emotional safety and security

In other words, attachment trauma and its many and varied symptoms are the natural (predictable) consequence of adverse childhood events (ACE’s) that have long gone unaddressed and  unregulated by competently attuned, loving, adult presence. The clear recognition of symptoms of unresolved ACE’s however can become an invitation for us to finally address and heal in our lifetime an otherwise unending cycle of inter-generational, attachment trauma. Given that we are all complex, whole human beings, I believe that healing from attachment trauma requires a comprehensive, holistic approach that addresses both our individuality and our complexity.