PTSD within Children

Children often are exposed to trauma as a result of the following kinds of events:

• war
• family and community violence
• experiencing or witnessing severe accidents
• natural or technological disasters
• life-threatening illnesses

Many studies have shown that there is a connection between children's exposure to traumatic events and psychological problems. These include not only full-scale PTSD, but also problems with:

• peer relationships
• relationships within the family
• self-esteem
• school activities and performance
• emotional development
• depression and anger
• physical health
• substance abuse
• fears
• anger
• guilt

PTSD symptoms in children may last for a long time, and may include:

• disturbing memories or flashbacks repeated nightmares and dreams of death
• belief in omens and prediction of disastrous future events
• pessimism about the future and expectation of early death
• avoiding reminders of traumatic experiences
• fear of re-experiencing traumatic anxiety
• behavioral re-enactment (expressed as repetitive play)
• emotional numbness (seeming to have no feelings, except perhap sanger)
• diminished interest in significant activities
• physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches
• feeling constantly on guard, or nervous and jumpy
• More detailed information on symptoms can be found here

In addition, surviving or witnessing traumatic events may intensify symptoms of opsychiatric disorders, such as:

• attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• dissociative disorders
• eating disorders
• major depression
• oppositional defiant disorder
• panic disorder
• phobias
• separation anxiety disorder

Treatment of PTSD in children generally involves "talking therapies" (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, or brief psychotherapy), and may include the prescription of medication by a psychiatrist. The goals are:

• helping the child to remember the traumatic events safely
• addressing the child's family life, peer relationships, and school performance
• dealing with grief, guilt, anger, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances

It is best to seek treatment from a professional with expertise in this area. Many therapists with this expertise are members of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, whose membership directory contains a geographical listing indicating those who treat children and adolescents.

The information on this Web site is presented for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for informed medical advice or training. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a mental health problem without consulting a qualified health or mental health care provider. All information contained on these pages is in the public domain unless explicit notice is given to the contrary, and may be copied and distributed without restriction.