# Research on childhood trauma and mental health > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/research-on-childhood-trauma-and-mental-health > Updated: 2026-09-23T20:51:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Scientific research has increasingly focused on the neurological and psychological consequences of childhood trauma. Initial studies published in the ‘Journal of Neuroscience’ identified a link between childhood trauma and anhedonia—the inability to experience pleasure—noting that trauma can disrupt brain pathways related to motivation, specifically through changes in the hippocampus. Subsequent research published in JAMA Network Open expanded on these risks, finding that young adults who experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences face significantly higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, heavy drug use, and interpersonal violence. Researchers emphasized that emotional abuse, sexual abuse, discrimination, and witnessing domestic violence are among the strongest predictors of these outcomes, particularly during the critical developmental transition from adolescence to young adulthood. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Childhood trauma linked to higher mental health risks in young adults Research published in JAMA Network Open links multiple childhood traumas, such as abuse and discrimination, to increased rates of depression, drug use, and violence in young adults. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/childhood-trauma-linked-to-higher-mental-health-risks-in-young-adults ### 2026-08-25: Scientific studies link childhood trauma to anhedonia and examine adolescent social anxiety New studies explore mental health: one links childhood trauma and hippocampal changes to adult anhedonia, while another examines how dog companionship affects social anxiety in adolescents. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scientific-studies-link-childhood-trauma-to-anhedonia-and-examine-adolescent-social-anxiety --- Cite as: Research on childhood trauma and mental health. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/research-on-childhood-trauma-and-mental-health