No abstract

Childhood exposure to violence has been shown to have both short-term and longterm psychological problems that can lead to long-life impairment. Approximately one million children are exposed to abuse annually (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2007). One in four high school students report engagement in at least one physical fight (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2015). About 19% of those injured and 12% of the 19% of those youth had physical illnesses and developed some symptoms of PTSD (SAMHSA, 2015). More than half (54%) of families in the US population have been affected by some type of disaster [1]. Research on biological systems disrupted by "childhood trauma is consistent with the patterns of behavioral, cognitive, affective, and relationship symptoms" [2]. Trauma has long-term impact and its manifestation can be detrimental to the health and well-being of an individual. A brief description on the biology of the brain and the impact of trauma may offer some insight into its consequences, which will be discussed below.