PTSD in Children
PTSD Is Common for Those, Including Children, Who Have Experienced a Major Life Change
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, is quite a common disorder in those who have experienced a major life change. It is even more common in children who have experienced a traumatic change and it can manifest in many ways.
Traumatic episodes are the leading cause of PTSD and account for over 60% of counseling cases in children who suffer from the effects of the disorder. Some events that cause PTSD in children include:
- Abuse. This can be either physical or sexual abuse in nature. The effects of the disorder in children can be long-term, anywhere from a few months to years.
- Violence. Acts of violence exhibited in a child’s life can trigger the stress-related disorder as well. This also includes random acts or violent acts including robbery, the use of guns, knives or anything that involve weapons or violent behavior.
- Accidents. Usually if a child is a part of or witnesses a horrible accident, their psyches are affected with stress and their recovery time is significant. Vehicle accidents, house fires or bizarre accidents that happen in front of a child can be damaging to them for a short or long period of time.
- Disasters. Whether the disaster is natural (as in severe hurricanes), or technological (like power outages), if the event is significant enough in the life of the child, it can grossly affect their social skills and their ability to productively interact with others in society.
- Illnesses. The illness can either be with the child or with a close loved one. The child’s thinking and reasoning on the “why” the illness has struck is enough to render the child unable to effectively cope with the situation.
Children who have PTSD may also suffer from ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). Treatment of PTSD in children generally involves therapy, whether group or individua,l and may also include medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or pediatrician.
Traumatic episodes are the leading cause of PTSD and account for over 60% of counseling cases in children who suffer from the effects of the disorder. Some events that cause PTSD in children include:
- Abuse. This can be either physical or sexual abuse in nature. The effects of the disorder in children can be long-term, anywhere from a few months to years.
- Violence. Acts of violence exhibited in a child’s life can trigger the stress-related disorder as well. This also includes random acts or violent acts including robbery, the use of guns, knives or anything that involve weapons or violent behavior.
- Accidents. Usually if a child is a part of or witnesses a horrible accident, their psyches are affected with stress and their recovery time is significant. Vehicle accidents, house fires or bizarre accidents that happen in front of a child can be damaging to them for a short or long period of time.
- Disasters. Whether the disaster is natural (as in severe hurricanes), or technological (like power outages), if the event is significant enough in the life of the child, it can grossly affect their social skills and their ability to productively interact with others in society.
- Illnesses. The illness can either be with the child or with a close loved one. The child’s thinking and reasoning on the “why” the illness has struck is enough to render the child unable to effectively cope with the situation.
The Effects of Traumatic Events
Many studies show the lasting effects of stressful events on a child. They may experience symptoms that include anger, rage, drug addiction, complacency or depression.Children who have PTSD may also suffer from ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). Treatment of PTSD in children generally involves therapy, whether group or individua,l and may also include medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or pediatrician.
