Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

All children and adolescents experience stressful events that can affect them both emotionally and physically.  Most often their negative reactions to stress are brief, and they recover without further problems.  However, a child or adolescent who experiences a catastrophic even or ongoing experiences that threaten their sense of safety may develop ongoing difficulties known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Children with PTSD may show intense fear, helplessness, anger, sadness, horror, or denial. Children with PTSD often avoid situations or places that remind them of their traumatic experience(s).  They may also become less responsive emotionally, depressed, withdrawn, and more detached from their feelings.  Child who have experienced significant trauma also may develop relationship problems with peers and family members, problems with acting out, and difficulty with school performance.

The symptoms of PTSD may last from several months to many years. For a child suffering from PTSD, early intervention is essential and requires close collaboration among and support from parents, school, and peers.

Click here for Mental Health quick fact sheet on Trauma Related Issues in Children and Youth

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