Trauma in the United States and Around the World

Presented by Alaptagin Khan, MBBS, FRSPH, McLean Hospital.

Regardless of where we live or which language we speak, we are exposed to potentially traumatic experiences every day. Khan explains how adverse childhood experiences impact physical and mental health on a national and global scale.

Watch now to learn more about:

• The relationship between trauma and health outcomes
• Global rates of trauma and violence
• Special concerns for refugee populations
• Why addressing trauma must become a public health priority

“Childhood trauma is a critical missing factor in the context of public health,” emphasizes Khan.

Statistics show that from 1990 to 2020 in the United States, five children per day have died of abuse and neglect. Survivors of childhood trauma have a greater risk of physical as well as mental health conditions.

A person with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) is 50% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease in later life compared to someone without ACE and has 49% higher odds of being diagnosed with cancer.

According to one study, people with six or more adverse childhood experiences have nearly a 20-year reduction in life span.

The relationship between childhood trauma and mental health challenges is especially poignant. Khan shares, “If you could remove childhood trauma from society, you could get rid of 54% of depression, 65% of alcoholism, 67% of suicide attempts.”

In this talk, Khan states that experiences of children globally are augmented when compared to U.S. statistics.

For example, half of the world’s children experience violence. Three in four young children regularly undergo physical punishment and psychological violence at the hands of parents and caregivers.

“Given these numbers, it is unsurprising that mental disorders are the leading cause of disability among children and adolescents globally,” Khan said. He added that child maltreatment is a critical missing factor in the context of global public health.