Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The past decade has seen a significant increase in our understanding of the unique impact that trauma may have on the developmental trajectory of children and adolescents. We examine the recent clinical and research literature regarding risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in childhood and the various manifestations in which PTSD may present in childhood and adolescence. Case vignettes are presented to elucidate issues that often emerge in the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD in childhood and adolescence.