Christy Carlson Romano has drawn parallels between early fame and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), highlighting the psychological toll on child actors. In a personal essay, she reflects on the pressures of auditioning and the emotional scars that can lead to struggles with addiction later in life, as seen in the case of her late colleague Hayden Panettiere.
Romano emphasizes the industry's lack of accountability for the well-being of young performers, noting that they are often treated as both children and commodities. Her insights come in the wake of Panettiere's tragic passing, prompting discussions about the mental health challenges faced by former child stars.