title: Child maltreatment: the neurobiological aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder.
abstract: Childhood trauma due to physical abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse is a serious problem in the United States. Trauma can result in disruption or injury to the developing brain and lead to neurodevelopmental deficits that affect a child's functioning and can result in lifelong problems. Research has provided insight into how early childhood maltreatment affects brain development. This article examines the research on trauma, its effects on the brain, and evidence-based interventions. An overview of normal brain functioning and posttraumatic stress disorder is presented. Implications for social work practice with children who have experienced child maltreatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Sociology and Social Work, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX 76204, USA. kpainter@twu.edu
authors.forename: Kirstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Painter
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scannapieco
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D061345:Early Medical Intervention; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D012106:Research; D012947:Social Work; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents