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

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

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
• sexual behavior (in cases of sexual abuse)
• emotional development
• depression and anger
• physical health
• substance abuse
• fears
• anger
• guilt
• feeling ashamed

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 perhaps anger)
• diminished interest in significant activities
• physical symptoms, such as stomachaches and headaches
• feeling constantly on guard, or nervous and jumpy

In addition, surviving or witnessing traumatic events may intensify symptoms of other psychiatric 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.

What's Related

• Myths and Facts about PTSD
• Frequently Asked Questions about PTSD
• Who is Typically Diagnosed with PTSD?
• Differential Diagnosis of PTSD Symptoms
• Associated Conditions of PTSD
• What Causes PTSD?
• Facts about PTSD
• Types of PTSD
• Symptoms and Diagnosis of PTSD
• An Overview of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Other articles by National Center for PTSD

 

Last reviewed:
  On December 12, 2006
  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.