A Review of PTSD in Children.

Abstract

Although the diagnosis of PTSD, when first formulated in 1980, was not believed to be relevant to children and adolescents, Leonore Terr’s studies (1979, 1983) of a group of children who were kidnapped and held hostage soon proved otherwise. It is now well accepted that children and adolescents can develop PTSD following life-threatening traumatic events, and the diagnosis of PTSD has even encompassed some of Terr’s findings i.e. regarding a reduced future perspective. The diagnosis of PTSD in children and adolescents is almost isomorphic to the adult core criteria: 1) after exposure to actual or threatened death or serious injury instead of evidencing fear, helplessness or horror they may respond with disorganised or agitated behaviour; 2) symptoms of re-experiencing, repetition and reenactments where children may manifest repetitive behaviours, play re-enactments of the traumatic situation or frightening dreams without specific content; 3) avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma; because it is difficult for children to report diminished interest in significant activities and constriction of affect, these symptoms should be carefully evaluated, with reports being sought from parents, teachers and observers; 4) hyperarousal, where it is noted that children may also exhibit physical symptoms such as stomach-aches and headaches (APA, 1994).