The repeated experience of trauma early in a child's development has been termed complex trauma. The onset of trauma can result from a range of things such as living in domestic violent situations, or being raised in situations whereby the parent’s neglect to provide for their child’s needs. Complex trauma can also come in the form of abuse, for example, when a small child who cries to convey its needs or distress is physically assaulted, instead of given food or comfort.
People who have experienced complex trauma may display symptoms including poor concentration, poor attention and poor decision-making and judgement. They may also appear highly reactive and respond to threat even if it is not present. Their behaviour may be aggressive in response, or they may take flight or simply freeze.
Core components of complex trauma treatment include, safety, self-regulation, self-reflective information processing, traumatic experiences integration, relational engagement and positive affect enhancement.