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Recognition of attachment difficulties and developmental trauma is the responsibility of all paediatricians
Author(s) -
Kaiser Samantha,
Zimmet Marcel,
Fraser Jolene,
Liddle Karen,
Roberts Gehan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.14154
Subject(s) - medicine , presentation (obstetrics) , developmental milestone , mental health , early childhood , attachment theory , psychological trauma , child development , developmental psychology , psychiatry , pediatrics , clinical psychology , psychology , radiology
Abstract This article provides an overview of attachment theory, developmental trauma and trauma‐informed care for paediatricians. The impact of difficult or impoverished parent–child relationships on brain development and long‐term health is now well known. Recent neuroscience research reveals the adverse neurological impacts of developmental trauma and supports the biological basis of attachment theory. There is also an increasing body of evidence that childhood adversity is common and impacts physical and mental health throughout the life‐span. Comprehensive paediatric assessment should include an understanding of attachment difficulties and developmental trauma. Viewing children and their families through a ‘trauma‐informed lens’ can provide critical insights into their clinical presentation and care needs. All paediatricians should be providing and practicing trauma‐informed care.