Nadine Burke Harris - Screening For PTSD in California

BMJ talk medicine

Many children experience levels of adversity that give rise to toxic stress. Contributors may include war, natural disasters, and displacement, as well as poverty, violence at home, family breakdown–and the effects of the covid-19 pandemic. Adversity in childhood can lead to behavioural, physical, and psychological problems throughout life. Children who experience toxic stress are at greater risk of many health problems in adulthood, from depression to cardiovascular disease and obesity. All children deserve the chance to thrive in safe and supportive environments. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare providers must minimise the risk of toxic stress in childhood and intervene early when it occurs.