[United Kingdom] Making Neuroscience More Accessible: childhood trauma, the brain and mental health

Thanks to a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), UK, University College London (UCL) carried out research on the effects childhood trauma has on a child’s brain development. UCL created an animated video and guidebook to make the research accessible and understandable for everyone.

According to their findings, our brains can adapt to abuse and neglect, but only in the short-term, not for a lifetime and not in our everyday relationships. A child growing up in an abusive or neglective environment may have mental health or drug abuse issues in the future. He/she will perceive everyday situations as dangerous and live in a state of alarm.

This research aims to show people dealing with children or young people the importance of patience and communication, and how to find common solutions rather than using punishment for inappropriate behaviours which may be the result of early trauma.

Access UCL’s childhood trauma and the brain resources: https://uktraumacouncil.org/resources/childhood-trauma-and-the-brain