Condition

Pediatric Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the name for the ongoing reaction and stress following exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD can occur either when a child or teen has been personally harmed or when he or she has witnessed another person being harmed or injured. Some of the types of violent or traumatic events that can cause a child or teen to develop PTSD include physical or sexual abuse, car accidents, natural disasters, assault, and exposure to chronic violence, or being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. A child may develop PTSD if he or she was physically close to the event, if the event was severe, or if the event was repeated many times. Additionally, a child or teen may develop PTSD if they received little or no positive comfort and support from his or her family or loved ones after the traumatic event. A child or teen with PTSD may develop a number of ongoing and upsetting symptoms that last for more than one month. It is important to note that a majority of children and teens who experience or witness a trauma do not develop PTSD.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in children?

These are some of the most common symptoms of PTSD in children:

Sleep disturbances including fear of sleep, nightmares or bedwetting
Extreme emotional reactions when reminded of the traumatic event
Crying and depressed feelings
Being easily startled or jumpy
Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
Detachment from others
General lack of response to others
Bad tempered, aggressive or even violent behavior
Avoiding certain places or situations that bring back memories of the event
Flashbacks or disturbing images of the traumatic event
Re-creating and re-living the traumatic event through talk or play
Problems concentrating or with attention
Behaviors that they should have grown out of (for example, sucking their thumb, or wanting to sleep with a parent or sibling)

How is post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed in children?

How is post-traumatic stress disorder treated in children?

Following a full assessment, a member of the Children’s National care team will discuss treatment options with the child or teen and his or her family. Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) is effective in treating PTSD. Most studies show that there are no medicines that are effective in treating PTSD. CBT includes helping children and teens think about the trauma in a new way that promotes coping and rebuilding a strong sense of self. Gradually, children and teens are helped to talk and think about the trauma in order to reduce anxiety. They may be taught different ways to relax, and may also learn new sleep habits. Parents play a strong role the treatment of children and teens in PTSD, since support from others is so important.

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