MHM Magazine

By the age of 17, 6 in every 10 South African children will undergo at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) – defined as stressful and potentially traumatic situations that occur during childhood and ado- lescence and threaten their safety, security, trust or bodily integrity. Childhood trauma, says psychiatrist and member of SA Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), Dr Wisani Makhomisane, can impact on the developing brain and have lifelong after-effects on mental and physical health, limiting children’s prospects in education, employment and positive functioning in society. A 2023 South African study found that each ACE event in childhood raised the risk of adulthood depression by 12%, anxiety by 10% and inability to manage stress by 17%. Adult participants in the research had experienced an average of three ACE events by the age of 17. Makhomisane says “Children have a right to be protected from ACEs, which limit their ability to realise their full potential. Timely and appropriate intervention in cases of childhood trauma can lessen the impact on future mental and physical health.” Adverse childhood experiences include physical, sexual or emotional abuse; emotional and physical neglect; and experiencing serious accidents or medical conditions. Adverse experiences in the home, community or school are also counted as ACEs, for example exposure to domestic or community violence, violence or abuse at school, living in poverty or homelessness, family break- ups, or living with a parent with mental health or substance abuse problems. Instability or grief due to separation from parents, or the imprisonment or death of a parent, caregiver or close relative also causes stress and trauma that can impact on a child’s development. Adverse childhood experiences and trauma can also stem from children’s online lives, for example, cyber-bullying, threats, harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation. Makhomisane likened the impact of ACEs on the developing brain to being “chased by a lion for days and Interview with Psychiatrist, Dr Wisani Makhomisane SASOP CHILDREN EXPOSED TO TRAUMA AND VIOLENCE MAY HAVE THEIR ADULTHOOD THREATENED MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 3 | Children exposed to trauma and violence may have their adulthood threatened MHM 10 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2024 | Issue 3 H