When children experience strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity in childhood without the support of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments, it can lead to high levels of stress in our bodies and brains – called “toxic stress.” Toxic stress can lead to long-term physical and behavioral health problems if not addressed. Although it is critical to focus on preventing toxic stress altogether, primary prevention efforts in the medical field will not prevent all childhood adversity, and some children will still experience the negative effects of the toxic stress response.

In the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pathways to Resilience Expert Advisory Committee members Rachel Gilgoff and Mikah Owen, along with Tanya Schwartz and former California Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris, call on medical providers to treat the effects that toxic stress can have on children’s long-term health.

The authors believe the field of pediatrics has a vital opportunity to advance a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and healing from toxic stress. Check out the article to see their recommended actions for the medical community.

Read the full article on the AAP website.