Examining Child Maltreatment Through a Neurodevelopmental Lens: Clinical Applications of the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics
Abstract
This article provides the theoretical rationale and overview of a neurodevelopmentally-informed approach to therapeutic work with maltreated and traumatized children and youth. Rather than focusing on any specific therapeutic technique, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) allows identification of the key systems and areas in the brain which have been impacted by adverse developmental experiences and helps target the selection and sequence of therapeutic, enrichment, and educational activities. In the preliminary applications of this approach in a variety of clinical settings, the outcomes have been positive. More in depth evaluation of this approach is warranted, and is underway.
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Factors influencing early neural development are likely to result in dysfunctions that also affect later development of higher cortical and limbic areas.
“factors influencing early neural development are likely to result in dysfunctions that also affect later development of higher cortical and limbic areas (18).”
From Childhood Trauma, the HPA Axis and Psychiatric Illnesses: A Targeted Literature Synthesis (2022) · cites this paper as [18]
Cites
Anda, R. F., Felitti, V. J., Bremner, J. D., Walker, J. D., Whitfield, C., Perry, B. D., Dube, S. R., & Giles, W. H. (2006) · European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience · doi:10.1007/s00406-005-0624-4 · Cited by 4,292 · cited 1× · see citing works
“As expected, in any brain-mediated function examined—from speech tomotor functioning to social, emotional, or behavioral regulation—developmental trauma andmaltreatment increase risk of dysfunction (see also Perry & Pollard, 1998; Bremner & Vermetten, 2001; Perry, 2001, 2002; Anda et al., 2006).”
BackgroundSelf-citationFowler, J. H., & Christakis, N. A. (2008) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.a2338 · Cited by 1,990 · see citing works
Homeostasis, Stress, Trauma, and Adaptation
Perry, B. D., & Pollard, R. (1998) · Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America · doi:10.1016/s1056-4993(18)30258-x · Cited by 440 · see citing works
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Childhood Trauma, the HPA Axis and Psychiatric Illnesses: A Targeted Literature Synthesis
Murphy, F., Nasa, A., Cullinane, D., Raajakesary, K., Gazzaz, A., Sooknarine, V., Haines, M., Roman, E., Kelly, L., O'Neill, A., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.748372 · Cited by 181 · see citing works
“However, these developmental processes are not independent of each other, and as such, factors influencing early neural development are likely to result in dysfunctions that also affect later development of higher cortical and limbic areas (18).”
BackgroundChildhood Maltreatment and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review
Choi, K. W., & Sikkema, K. J. (2016) · Trauma, Violence, & Abuse · doi:10.1177/1524838015584369 · Cited by 152 · see citing works
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Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma-Informed Care
Goddard, A. (2021) · Journal of Pediatric Health Care · doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2020.09.001 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
A review of trauma-informed treatment for adolescents.
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Self-citationDo mental health clinicians elicit a history of previous trauma in female psychiatric inpatients?
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- Authors
- Perry, B. D.
- Affiliations
- Northwestern University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Perry, Bruce D.
- ORCID
- Perry, Bruce D.
- Venue
- Journal of Loss and Trauma
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2009-06-25
- Volume
- 14
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 240-255
- ISSN
- 1532-5024 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-5032
- OpenAlex
- W2112693136
- Cited by
- 704
- References
- 3
- Citations by year
- 2026: 41 · 2025: 47 · 2024: 41 · 2023: 69 · 2022: 47 · 2021: 69 · 2020: 58 · 2019: 44 · 2018: 44 · 2017: 49 · 2016: 39 · 2015: 46 · 2014: 37 · 2013: 30 · 2012: 20
- FWCI
- 14.51
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Loss and Trauma (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Therapy and Development
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
- Keywords
- child abuse, neurodevelopmental approach, traumatized children, enrichment activities, educational intervention, clinical application
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