Childhood trauma affecting health in later life

[Annalouk]

OK, so I'm just learning about epigenetics and how childhood trauma can affect health across a lifetime. I'm finding it really interesting and something I will continue to research in terms of finding a treatment that will actually work.

What I need to know are there any Consultants in the UK or USA who treat the brain and body's stress response system as a treatment for chronic illness?

In 8 years, not one of the many GP's and Rheumatologists and other health professionals I have seen have ever asked me about my childhood. They ask if I have any diseases or health complaints in my family but not about anything I may have been through while growing up that could have led to my health problems.

I am sick of all the pills and medicines they throw at the symptoms of the problem without addressing the root cause.

Has anyone come across any medical professionals who address childhood trauma as the cause of illness?

Many thanks.

[ednu16]

You could try being referred to a pain psychologist! They look into childhood and previous trauma as part of their work and therapy

[Bananas5]

We have been talking a fair bit about St Tommy's in London and the 3 week pain management course.

I do know that some of the first things they cover are past trauma's going back as far as you want.. For those participating it can be a very sad and tearful experience reliving these memories. The realisation you are how you are for what has happened in the past.

Not sure that helps!

x

[rosewine]

Very interesting concept as so many of us on the forum seem to have had problems in childhood and I am sure they must still affect us in later life.x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

i attend the Centre for Integrative Care in Glasgow .... and they look at your entire life history including any traumas going back to childhoom ... they also look at treating you holistically xxx

[Dinkie]

Interesting. Have to say that when I first started hypnotherapy the first few sessions were a sort of "getting to know you" talking therapy before the actual hypnotherapy started. She had my full history and said she wasn't surprised I had fibro. Having said that I always feel so much better after a session and it lasts a while. Not sure how or why it works but I'm not going to look too deeply I just accept that it does work for me at least.

[Hidden in reply to Dinkie]

I was going to suggest hypnotherapy. So glad you're finding it helpful. It works by putting your conscious mind into standby mode--- switching it off but it's ready to spring into action again as soon as you want it to. While your conscious mind is resting, your subconscious is free to remember, analyse, respond to the therapist. It should never be traumatic, always relaxing, as the therapist helps you to explore what's in your subconscious mind while never being alarmed or scared by it. A bit like watching a movie of yourself.

[waylay]

Hi there! Have you seen the ACE study?

[amartin1]

Someone suggested to me that Core Process Psychotherapy might help. I haven’t tried it yet but going to give it a go.

I’ve had 11 years of various traumatic life events and I realise that these will have taken their toll on my health.

[Treewade]

I went to see neurologist in Leeds who sent me to neuropsychology to do lots of testing and talking I'm now in therapy similar to what they do for returning hero s where they get you to hold a trauma and flash lights till it goes to the right bit of the brain as they think this is part of the reason GeForce my memory issues and its trauma s in past that caused it's called EMDR treatment it's for dissociating. Ok just searched for paper wi it written down lol getting treatment in Doncaster but ask for a neuropsychology appointment xxxxxx

[KnackeredKaty in reply to Treewade]

Are you seeing a consultant in Rheumatology in Doncaster Royal Infirmary by any chance? This therapy sounds intriguing. I'd like to know more.

[Treewade in reply to KnackeredKaty]

No it's Doncaster mental health team as its classed as a mental health problem go figure lol but if it fixes me I don't care what it comes under I'm sick of feeling like I'm losing my marbles are the plot lol as my memories just don't stay xxxxx

[Gizmo1369]

I was told by my rheumatologist that it could stem from trauma in childhood . I lost my mum when I was 10 years old she was only 29 died of blood clot you don't get more traumatic than that !!!

[KnackeredKaty in reply to Gizmo1369]

That's dreadful. I can't think of much worse that you could have suffered so young.

[Hidden]

I believe they are called psycologists! maybe try something other than pills like acupuncture, I had childhood epilepsy which stopped as though it had never been there when I reached puberty, my childhood psycologist said it was being the eldest of 7 kids and too much responsibilty placed on me at such a young age..

[KnackeredKaty in reply to Hidden]

I had epilepsy as a child. I wonder if there is a connection?

[Furry]

Hi there, I recently saw a consultant for problems with my jaw. I told her I thought it was fibro related and soft tissue rather than the joint. She was very interested in fibro and wanted to know who diagnosed it and how long I'd had it etc. Then she asked if I knew what the cause of fibro is? I said I'd been told it was due to trauma, either physical or mental trauma in childhood usually. She asked if I had suffered and I said I had. She seemed interested and was keen to know how I managed my symptoms. It makes a change from the usual reaction you get when telling most medical professionals that you have fibro. One actually rolled his eyes at me once!

[Karykiri]

my rheumatologist asked me if I had any trauma in my life and my go referred me for talking therapy which has really helped me too. I had issues that I had buried deep down as too difficult to deal with. This in turn affected my physical body. There's a great book called " THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE". I having read it yet, but it talks in depth about trauma and fibro.

[Shazzzy]

I also attend Glasgow centre for integrative care, who took a very thorough history from birth to date when i first attended. They also follow up every time you see them with what has happened, mentallly ,physically or emotionally and advise holistic treatment. I know they were carrying out research specifically on childhood abuse and chronic pain/exhaustion. Pain clinics usually advise CBT or other talking therapies. A lot of doctors now advocate mindfulness, for reducing stress and hopefully improving pain levels, so there is a general movement (slow) towards the stress/ physical connection.