What is Non-Recent Abuse and Trauma?

Historical abuse, also referred to as non-recent abuse, is defined as when an adult has been abused in the past when they were a child or under the age of 18. This includes physical, sexual, or emotional harm.

The individual who was abused might not have known they were being abused at the time. Whether the abuse happened once or hundreds of times, a year or many years ago, whatever the circumstances, there's support available to help survivors of such abuse.

It's important to note that the survivor is never to blame for the abuse, and it's never their fault. The perpetrator is always responsible for their actions. It's never too late to report historic abuse, but the survivor does not have to if they don't want to.

The impact of such abuse can last a lifetime, affecting health, relationships, and education, and can lead to mental health problems and drug or alcohol issues. However, support is available for those who were abused as a child. They deserve to be believed and get support if they want to.

Signs of past abuse can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the abuse, as well as the individual's personal resilience and coping mechanisms. Here are some potential signs:

1. Emotional Difficulties: This can include feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, or low self-esteem.

2. Mental Health Problems: Depression, eating disorders, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts may be present.

3. Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical symptoms such as urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or pain, itching, or bleeding in the genital/anal area could be signs of past abuse.

4. Behavioural Changes: Withdrawal from regular activities, unusually subdued behaviour, or poor concentration might be observed.

5. Difficulties in Relationships: Struggles with forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships could be a sign.

6. Negative Self-Thoughts: Beliefs about oneself as defeated or worthless, along with feelings of shame, guilt, or failure related to the traumatic event.

7. Substance Abuse: Problems with drugs or alcohol might develop.

8. Disturbing Thoughts, Emotions, and Memories: Recurring thoughts about the abuse, nightmares, or flashbacks are common among survivors of abuse.

9. Revictimisation: If someone has been abused as a child, it's more likely that they'll suffer abuse again. This is known as revictimisation.

Please note that these are potential signs and not everyone who exhibits these has necessarily experienced abuse. If you or someone you know is showing these signs and believes they may be a result of past abuse.

Signs of childhood trauma

Reliving the event (flashbacks or nightmares)

Avoidance.

Anxiety.

Depression.

Anger.

Problems with trust.

Self-destructive or risky behaviours.

Withdrawal.

Abuse, in any form, is a serious issue and it's important to approach this topic with sensitivity.

All forms of abuse can be challenging to prove as they often occur in private and can leave few physical traces.

However, emotional or psychological abuse is often considered the hardest to prove. This is because it involves behaviours that can be subtle and manipulative, such as humiliation, control, or isolation, which may not leave visible marks or evidence.

Verbal abuse refers to regular and consistent belittling, name-calling, labelling, or ridicule of a person; but it may also include spoken threats. It is one of the most difficult forms of abuse to prove because it does not leave physical scars or other evidence, but it is nonetheless hurtful.

It's also difficult because the impact is largely on the victim's mental health, which can be harder to measure objectively compared to physical health.

Remember, if you or someone else is in a situation where abuse is suspected, it's important to reach out to local authorities or a trusted individual for help. There are also many resources and hotlines available for support.

Unresolved childhood trauma can manifest in various ways in adults. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

1. Strong Reactions: You might feel unsafe around a person you just met because the person reminds you of someone involved in your childhood trauma.

2. Anxiety: Childhood trauma increases the risk of anxiety. Anxiety triggers a reaction where adrenaline courses through the body, telling it to fight or leave a situation.

3. Childish Reactions: These may look like a tantrum. You speak in a childlike voice, show stubbornness, and have outbursts that are difficult for you to control.

4. Inability to Cope with Change: Stress is normal when you are pushed out of your comfort zone. It becomes concerning when change triggers persistent extreme emotions that interfere with daily life or relationships.

5. Intense Mood Swings: Trauma survivors might either feel numb or have overwhelming emotions.

6. Misdiagnosis and Comorbidity: Many with histories of significant attachment and developmental traumas struggle with symptoms associated with mood disorders, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic symptoms, or obsessions and compulsive behaviours.

7. Chronic Pain: Existing research has found that adults with histories of childhood trauma, specifically physical abuse, are at an increased risk for developing chronic pain.

8. Difficulties with Social Interaction, Multiple Health Problems, Low Self-Esteem and Lack of Direction: Adults with unresolved childhood trauma are more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide and self-harm.

9. Increased Susceptibility to Depression and Mood Disorders: Adults who experienced trauma as kids are much more susceptible to depression and mood disorders, as well as thoughts of suicide.

However, more recent research suggests confusion regarding self-identity, dissociation, and relationship problems in adulthood are common for those with unhealed traumas.

Please note that these are potential signs and not definitive diagnoses. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Yes, various forms of abuse, particularly those experienced during childhood, can indeed result in changes to the brain. These changes can potentially cause psychological and emotional problems in adulthood.

Here are some key points:

- Emotional Abuse and Neglect: Childhood emotional abuse and neglect can result in permanent changes to the developing human brain. These changes in brain structure appear to be significant enough to potentially cause psychological disorders and substance misuse in adulthood.

- Abuse Alters Brain Structure: As children grow, their brains undergo periods of rapid development. Negative experiences such as abuse can disrupt those developmental periods, leading to changes in the brain later on. Research suggests that the timing and duration of childhood abuse can impact the way it affects those children later in life.

- Effects on Brain Structure: Childhood abuse and neglect can have several negative effects on how the brain develops. For example, abused brains tend to make less of certain chemicals, which can lead to bouts of depression or “impulsive aggression” later in life. Very high levels of stress chemicals can change a child’s brain circuitry.

- Long-lasting Effects: Child abuse and other traumatic childhood experiences may alter the brain, making the effects of trauma last into adulthood. The long-lasting effects may be due to an impaired structure and functioning of cells in the anterior cingulate cortex, a part of the brain which plays an important role in the regulation of emotions and mood.

It's important to note that while these changes can be significant, they do not determine a person's destiny. Many people who have experienced abuse are able to seek help and heal, leading fulfilling and healthy lives.

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and author, has proposed a controversial perspective on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He suggests that ADHD is not primarily a genetic or inherited disease, but rather a reversible impairment and a developmental delay with origins in infancy. He believes that it is rooted in multigenerational family stress and disturbed social conditions in a stressed society.

According to Dr. Maté, the environment a child is exposed to plays a critical role. Stressful family dynamics, parental conflicts, or the presence of an emotionally unavailable caregiver can create a foundation of insecurity and stress, potentially disrupting brain development and leading to symptoms associated with ADHD.

In his book "Scattered Minds", Dr. Maté argues that ADHD is a way of coping with childhood trauma, rather than the highly heritable brain disorder or form of neurodivergence it is usually taken to be. He attributes this to "emotional stresses" in their early environment, including his own parenting.

However, it's important to note that these views are not universally accepted in the medical community. Some critics argue that Dr. Maté's explanations for ill health oversimplify a complex and incompletely understood web of causes. They worry that his solutions dart ahead of the scientific evidence, sometimes veering towards quackery.

In conclusion, while trauma and stressful environments can potentially contribute to the development of ADHD according to Dr. Maté's perspective, it's crucial to remember that ADHD is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors, including genetics, environment, and potentially trauma.