Contributors to Susceptibility to PANS/PANDAS Part I - Trauma and Generational Trauma
As a classically trained homeopath specializing in complex and chronic conditions such as PANS/PANDAS and other neurodevelopmental disorders, I see three major factors daily that are contributing to the rise of complex and chronic conditions: trauma, modern living, and toxins. Individually, these factors increase chronic inflammation and dysregulate the immune system by disrupting the body’s natural balances across all major systems, increasing stress and overwhelming the body's ability to detoxify and heal. Together, these factors interact in ways that amplify their individual effects.
Lived trauma is well researched and acknowledged for significantly increasing the risk and severity of complex illness because it can lead to prolonged activation of the stress response, resulting in systemic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and suppressed immunity—factors that predispose individuals to chronic illnesses. In this article I will be discussing a specific kind of trauma that is generally less discussed: generational trauma. Read on to learn more about what it is, how its impacts can be felt, how it contributes to complex and chronic conditions like PANS/PANDAS and Autism, and how homeopathy can help support healing and reducing future susceptibility. For anyone struggling with chronic conditions, the insights in this article can directly support your healing journey.
What is Generational Trauma?
The concept of generational trauma isn’t new although it’s certainly reached mainstream conversations only recently. The term was first explored in the context of children of Holocaust survivors by Nicolas Abraham and Maria Torok in the 1950s. Researchers studied how unresolved grief and trauma could be unconsciously transmitted to subsequent generations. The idea was that there were observable higher rates of psychological distress in descendants of survivors, even if they hadn't directly experienced the traumatic events. This led to the discovery of epigenetics in the 1980s, the field that studies how behaviors, environmental factors, and experiences influence gene activity without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Factors that affect how genes are turned on or off can be passed down to future generations. Researchers began to objectively and measurably understand the biological mechanisms of trauma transmission. In 2004, a first of its kind study on the offspring of Holocaust survivors showed altered cortisol levels - biological markers of trauma. Since then, the understanding has expanded. The trauma of our ancestors is carried in our bodies through immune system dysregulation, nervous system dysregulation, chronic inflammation, GI issues, heart issues, hormonal issues, behavior patterns or learned behaviors, and more.
An important note is that not all trauma affects us equally, or is even passed on in a meaningful way. We all experience trauma of all kinds during our lives and our ancestors did too. Research suggests a trauma that is acknowledged and resolved by the family or community, of shorter duration, experienced by an individual as opposed to the collective, would be less likely to result in transmission to descendents.
The bottom line is that the trauma of our parents and previous generations may be strongly influencing us today and setting the stage for health challenges in our kids.
How are the effects of generational trauma felt today?
Trauma experienced by previous generations can be observed in just about any physical, mental, or emotional way possible and the type of generational trauma influences how it’s felt today. It’s believed that generational trauma in many cases is felt three to four generations removed from the original trauma and, in some cases, much longer.
For example: Trauma related to survival such as famine, natural disasters, or war-related starvation experienced by ancestors can be passed down through altered epigenetic markers, creating heightened stress responses and metabolic changes. These biological changes increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in descendants.
Another common example is familial trauma such as unacknowledged or resolved abuse, neglect, or addiction. These traumas are often associated with behaviors such as emotional suppression, avoidance, or aggression and can further become ingrained in family dynamics even when people want to change their own behaviors. As a result, symptoms such as increased emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, and maladaptive coping strategies can be seen in descendants.
How does generational trauma contribute to PANS/PANDAS and Autism?
Generational trauma can set the stage for PANS/PANDAS and Autism through inflammation and a dysregulated immune system. Whether experienced directly or inherited, trauma can alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in elevated cortisol levels and chronic low-grade inflammation. In addition, trauma-induced epigenitic changes may prime descendants for an overactive immune response, making them more susceptible to autoimmune conditions. Check out this article for more detail about how inflammation and a dysregulated immune system can make a chid susceptible to chronic illness.
Importantly, prenatal or maternal trauma during pregnancy is experienced by the fetus and can directly influence the developing fetus through biological, emotional and environmental pathways. In the population of kids I work with, prenatal trauma to the fetus can happen through excessive ultrasounds, emergency deliveries, and some labor and delivery medications. Homeopathic clears of these can be wonderfully supportive for healing for kids with complex and chronic conditions and yield transformational results.
How can homeopathy help?
Resolving trauma to break its transmission to younger generations requires a holistic approach, there is nothing in modern medicine that touches it because it works on an energetic level. As noted above, epigenetic changes mean that the DNA hasn’t been altered, but is acting differently - that’s energetic.
Emotional, psychological, or physical imprints passed down through family lines can profoundly affect an individual's mental, emotional, and physical health. Homeopathy, with its focus on treating the individual holistically, acknowledges the impact of ancestral patterns and inherited predispositions on a person's health.
Clinically, I often use a miasmatic remedy, a good constitutional remedy, and a trauma remedy to help rebalance and restore balance energetically so that the body can heal. Here are some remedies I commonly use:
Common Remedies for Generational Trauma:
Aurum Metallicum:
For inherited tendencies toward depression or feelings of failure passed down through generations.
Often indicated for individuals carrying a heavy sense of duty or responsibility from family expectations.
Natrum muriaticum
For deeply held grief, emotional suppression, and unresolved family pain.
Often indicated in those who feel burdened by ancestral sorrow or emotional isolation.
Ignatia Amara:
For acute grief and trauma, especially from sudden or shocking family events.
Useful for individuals who carry the weight of unexpressed or sudden losses in the family.
Carcinosin:
Strongly associated with inherited emotional suppression and perfectionism, often linked to strict or emotionally demanding family environments.
Ideal for those who feel burdened by a history of unexpressed family struggles or trauma.
Staphysagria:
For unresolved anger and humiliation, especially in families with a history of emotional suppression or abuse.
Helps release patterns of suppressed resentment or injustice.
Lachesis:
For unexpressed emotional wounds that lead to explosive behaviors or difficulty trusting others.
Addresses generational patterns of betrayal or emotional volatility.
Tuberculinum:
For restlessness and dissatisfaction rooted in inherited trauma, especially in families with a history of chronic illness, poverty, or displacement.
Ancestral Nosodes:
Nosodes like Carcinosin, Medorrhinum, or Syphilinum address deep-seated miasmatic tendencies related to generational trauma, such as tendencies to chronic grief, shame, or guilt.
Combining homeopathy with therapies such as meditation, journaling, family constellation, and therapy can deepen and accelerate the healing process.
The bottom line is that homeopathy offers a profound and individualized approach to supporting healing from trauma including generational trauma, helping release deeply ingrained emotional patterns and restoring balance to the body and mind. By focusing on inherited predispositions and emotional imprints, it stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms to rebalance and release what isn’t one’s own, which can support a healthier future for oneself and future generations.
Reach out today to begin your healing journey!
***Sue McKinley Homeopathy is not a doctor. The information presented here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for concerns about chronic and complex health conditions.***
Want more information?
Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42843-023-00096-7
How trauma’s effects can pass from generation to generation: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01433-y
The legacy of trauma: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/02/legacy-trauma
Historical Trauma and Descendants’ Well-Being: https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/historical-trauma-and-descendants-well-being/2021-06
Generational Trauma: What Are We Carrying With Us?: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-humanistic-explorer/202410/generational-trauma-what-are-we-carrying-with-us
Breaking the Chains of Generational Trauma: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-flourishing-family/202107/breaking-the-chains-generational-trauma
What Is Generational Trauma?: https://www.health.com/condition/ptsd/generational-trauma
Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Its Effects on Mental Health: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-integenerational-trauma-5211898
Intergenerational Trauma: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/intergenerational-trauma