Child Trauma Exposure Assessment

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young children?

Hypervigilance

Exaggerated startle response

Intense physical aggression

Heightened sense of calmness (correct)

What may be a long-term consequence of exposure to trauma in children?

Improved emotional regulation

Enhanced social interactions

Diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities (correct)

Increased resilience to stress

Which symptom can indicate a child is experiencing intrusive memories related to a trauma?

Distressing dreams about the event (correct)

Increased sociability

Frequent joyful play

Improved sleep patterns

What behavior might indicate a child's heightened arousal and reactivity due to PTSD?

Increased irritability and angry outbursts Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of persistent avoidance in a child dealing with PTSD?

Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive alteration might a child with PTSD experience?

Increased frequency of negative emotions Signup and view all the answers

What duration of symptom disturbance is required for a diagnosis of PTSD in children?

At least one month Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of a dissociative symptom that may occur in PTSD?

Memory gaps related to the trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children?

Recurring distressing dreams related to the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a child with acute stress disorder after exposure to trauma?

Symptoms manifest within 1 month and include at least nine specific indicators Signup and view all the answers

How does an unusual response to common stress differ from stress-related disorders?

It qualifies for adjustment disorder Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following indicates the severity of a child's disorder?

Exhibiting all symptoms at relatively high levels Signup and view all the answers

What are dissociative reactions in children experiencing PTSD?

Experiencing flashbacks where they feel the trauma is recurring Signup and view all the answers

Which criterion must be met to diagnose a child with a trauma- and stress-related disorder?

Developmental age must be at least 9 months Signup and view all the answers

What negative mood symptom may indicate PTSD in children?

Persistent avoidance of distressing stimuli Signup and view all the answers

How can the trauma experienced by a child lead to long-term consequences?

It can result in lasting emotional and psychological difficulties Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of PTSD in children related to their play activities?

Repetitive play reflecting themes of the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a negative alteration in mood associated with PTSD?

Persistent negative emotional state Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom best describes dissociative reactions in PTSD?

Flashbacks where the event feels like it is recurring Signup and view all the answers

What type of trauma can lead to negative alterations in one’s belief system?

Long-term exposure to traumatic stressors Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the persistent avoidance symptom in PTSD?

Avoiding distressing thoughts and external reminders of the trauma Signup and view all the answers

How can negative alterations in cognition manifest in individuals with PTSD?

Persistent blame of oneself for the trauma Signup and view all the answers

What kind of dreams are commonly reported by young children with PTSD?

Frightening dreams without recognizable content Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is indicative of PTSD in young children?

Flashbacks or acting as if the traumatic event is recurring Signup and view all the answers

What type of reactions do children commonly exhibit after experiencing trauma?

Acute symptoms resembling common reactions to stress Signup and view all the answers

Which group is identified as being more at risk for sexual abuse?

Adolescents over the age of 12 Signup and view all the answers

How does victimization rate generally relate to a child's age?

Victimization rates for most types of child abuse are inversely related to age Signup and view all the answers

In terms of racial characteristics, which group has the highest rates of victimization?

African-American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and multiple race children Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial for understanding physical abuse and neglect in children?

Relational disorders during stress periods Signup and view all the answers

What is a contributing element to the integrated model of physical child abuse?

Reduced tolerance for stress and disinhibition of aggression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects typical dissociative symptoms in children affected by trauma?

Inability to recall certain events Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the long-term consequences of child abuse is true?

Trauma can lead to persistent emotional and behavioral issues Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT included in the dissociative subtype of PTSD?

Psychotic episodes Signup and view all the answers

What risk factor is heightened in teens with a history of maltreatment?

Increased likelihood of substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common mood disturbance observed in children with a history of abuse?

Emotional distress Signup and view all the answers

What long-term consequence might result from childhood sexual abuse?

Development of eating disorders Signup and view all the answers

What do children with a history of abuse typically develop towards themselves and others?

Negative views Signup and view all the answers

Which neurobiological alterations are observed in individuals with a history of child abuse?

Alterations in the norepinephrine system Signup and view all the answers

What is a treatment intervention that can be used for children affected by trauma?

Exposure-based therapy Signup and view all the answers

What could contribute to delayed expression of PTSD symptoms in a child?

Full criteria not met until 6 months after the event Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children

Delayed expression of PTSD occurs if diagnostic criteria are not met until 6 months after a trauma, with possible immediate symptoms.
Children 6 years and younger can experience PTSD through direct exposure, witnessing events, or learning about trauma to caregivers.
Symptoms include distressing memories, nightmares, trauma-specific play, and intense distress from reminders of the event.
Persistent avoidance of reminders, alterations in cognition and mood, irritability, and angry outbursts are common in young children with PTSD.

Symptoms and Duration of PTSD

Key PTSD symptoms: verbal aggression, hypervigilance, startle response, concentration issues, and sleep disturbances.
Symptoms must persist for over a month and significantly impair relationships or functioning; cannot be solely due to substances or medical conditions.
The dissociative subtype involves depersonalization and derealization not attributed to substance effects.

Long-term Effects of PTSD

PTSD can become chronic, with remissions and relapses, potentially lasting a lifetime.
Associated mood disturbances include depression, emotional distress, and suicidal thoughts, particularly in abused children.
Teens with a history of maltreatment are at higher risk for substance abuse, while childhood sexual abuse may lead to eating disorders.

Causes and Effects of Child Abuse

Sexual abuse can lead to traumatic sexualization, affecting emotional and behavioral development.
Maltreated infants exhibit poor emotion regulation, leading to insecure attachment and difficulty with caregiver interactions.
Children develop negative self-views and world perspectives due to lack of healthy guidance from parents.
Neurobiological changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and norepinephrine systems are noted in those with a history of abuse.

Intervention Challenges

Barriers to intervention include reluctance to seek help and fear of legal repercussions such as losing custody.
Exposure-based therapy and psychological first aid are effective interventions for children post-trauma.

Other Stress Disorders in Children

Acute Stress Disorder is characterized by symptoms similar to PTSD occurring within 1 month after a traumatic event, requiring at least nine symptoms across various categories (intrusion, avoidance, etc.).
Adjustment Disorders may apply when children react unusually to less severe stressors.

Trauma Exposure Criteria

Defined criteria for traumatic exposure include direct experience, witnessing events, and learning about traumatic incidents involving close relations.

Physiological and Psychological Reactions

Children may display recurrent distressing memories or play reenacting trauma themes; they may express distress at cues related to trauma.
Symptoms include negative beliefs about oneself and others, persistent emotional states, and diminished interest in activities.

Victimization and Abuse Trends

Exploitation, including commercial and sexual exploitation, is a significant trauma for children and adolescents worldwide.
Younger children are at higher risk for overall abuse, with sexual abuse predominating in those over 12 years old.
Victimization rates are inversely related to age in non-sexual abuse cases; 80% of sexual abuse victims are female, with maltreatment affecting both genders similarly.

Racial and Discrimination Factors

Majority of maltreated victims are white (44%), with significant proportions being African-American (22%) or Hispanic (21%).
Highest victimization rates are observed among African-American, American Indian, and multi-racial children, followed by white, Hispanic, and Asian children.

Integrated Model of Physical Child Abuse

Integrated model includes habits of aggression and patterns of physical punishment, with destabilizing factors affecting dynamics of abuse.
Relational disorders and stress factors play crucial roles in physical abuse, whereas sexual abuse is often a premeditated act.

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Description

This quiz explores the criteria and indicators for diagnosing trauma exposure in children under 6 years old. Focused on delayed expressions of symptoms and different ways children may experience trauma, it aims to enhance understanding of these complex conditions. Test your knowledge on this crucial topic in child psychology.