Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children

Who is at risk for PTSD?

PTSD may follow a severe trauma. It may be something the child experiences. Or it may be an event the child sees or hears about. Even violent movies or TV shows can cause trauma.

A child is at risk for PTSD after any of these:

• A rape or sexual assault

• A car accident or plane crash

• Physical and/or mental abuse

• Being a victim or witness of violence, such as riots or wars

• Natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods

• The sudden death or hospitalization of a parent or other loved one

Symptoms of PTSD in children

Symptoms of PTSD often appear a few weeks after the trauma. But sometimes they may occur months or years later. A child with PTSD may have:

• Bad dreams about the event.

• Vivid memories of the event that seem real (flashbacks).

• A fear of people or places connected with the event.

• Reactions to things that remind them of the event the event (trauma cues) such as sights, sounds, people, smells, and places.

And they may:

• Seem withdrawn and unfeeling.

• Be nervous.

• Have angry outbursts.

• Have trouble sleeping or focusing.

• Have headaches or other health problems.

• Reenact the event over and over in play.

Treating PTSD

PTSD in a child can be treated with:

• Trauma-focused psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy).

• Other types of one-on-one or group talk therapy.

• Medicines to manage anxiety, aggression, sleep disruption (insomnia, nightmares, frequent awakening), and depression.

It’s also important for a child to be with other children. It can make them feel less alone and help them work through their pain.

What you can do

You can play a large part in your child’s healing process. You can:

• Accept your child's emotions. Remind them of your love and support.

• Encourage them to share their feelings with you or a trusted doctor.

• Schedule ongoing mental health care for them.

• Ask school staff for support if PTSD causes problems with schoolwork or friendships.