Fresh approach to childhood trauma means different treatment, new hope [Inforum.com]

Now there's a growing body of research that shows how these experiences can derail a child's normal brain development, increasing the chance of mental health problems like depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse.

There's even a study that suggests a link between childhood trauma and adult health and behavioral problems like cancer, emphysema, addiction and attempted suicide.

In light of this evidence, many public and private agencies in the Fargo-Moorhead area and elsewhere are revising their approach to helping children who have suffered trauma, a wide-ranging term that can include physical or sexual abuse, a serious car crash, a grave medical illness, a natural disaster, community violence, severe neglect or the death of a loved one.