|
Click here for Adults with PTSD
How do you know if your child is suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
The symptoms of PTSD can be recognized using the TRAP analogy:
T |
Traumatic event |
|
The child has experienced a traumatic event or witnessed someone else experiencing it and the situation is perceived to be out of the child’s control.
|
R |
Re-experiencing |
|
The child re-experiences the event through repetitive, intrusive thoughts about the event.
|
A |
Avoidance |
|
The child begins to avoid situations, including those that are reminders of the traumatic situation.
|
P |
Physical tension |
|
The child experiences physical tension and hypervigilence. |
In addition, an increase in general anxiety often results in sleep disturbances, difficulty separating from parents, anger and irritability, alertness to dangers in the environment, difficulties with concentration and memory, feeling “jittery” and having an exaggerated startle response. In addition co-morbid depression (especially in adolescents) and panic attacks may occur. In younger children repetitive play or drawings about the event, regression and antisocial behaviour are common.
What should be done?
While caregivers are sometimes effective in assisting children who present with other childhood anxiety disorders, PTSD is best dealt with by a qualified mental health professional, who is able to correctly diagnose the disorder and work closely with them to treat the child.
What is involved in the treatment of PTSD?
Treatment plans are individualized to each child depending on their particular presentation. However treatment would generally involve the following components:-Teaching the child arousal reduction and distraction techniques.
- Addressing avoidance behaviours using cognitive behavioural methods.
- Re-exposing the child to the traumatic cues. This is done in a structured and supportive manner through storytelling, writing, art activities and with younger children, through puppets.
- Caregivers are closely involved in treatment and will often take on the role of “co-therapist” outside of the treatment setting.
|
