Trauma and PTSD in Children and Adolescents

Trauma-Related Disorders

• Associated with a wide range of psychiatric disorders, other medical disorders, and trauma.
• Trauma-informed care is important and aims to not further traumatize the patient.

Attachment Disorders

• Reactive attachment disorder is characterized by emotional detachment.
• Disinhibited social engagement disorder presents as a lack of normal fear of strangers.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

• In children, PTSD presents with a reduction in play or play reflecting aspects of the trauma.
• In adults, PTSD presents with flashbacks, avoidance, and alterations in mood.
• Hypervigilance, irritability, anger or agitated behavior are persistent symptoms of increased arousal.

Risk Factors for PTSD in Children and Adolescents

• Neuroplasticity, dependence on adult caregivers and systems.

Interventions for Child PTSD

• Use interactive processes to establish trust and safety.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate language when communicating.
• Teach relaxation techniques before trauma exploration to restore a sense of control.
• Incorporate art and play into treatment to facilitate the expression of emotions.
• Involve caregivers in the treatment process to provide guidance and support.
• Educate the caregivers about various treatments and therapies.
• Coordinate with caregivers and social workers to ensure the child receives comprehensive care.
• Assist caregivers in resolving their own emotional issues, which may be impacting the child's well-being.

Evaluation for Child PTSD

• Effective treatment is observed when safety is ensured, anxiety is reduced, emotions and behaviors are appropriate, the child has achieved normal developmental milestones, and is confident seeking adult support when needed.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults

• PTSD can be triggered by a wide range of traumatic events, such as combat, hostage situations, crimes, natural disasters, and accidents.
• PTSD symptoms in adults include flashbacks, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, persistent negative thoughts and feelings, alterations in mood, and hyperarousal.

Treatment Modalities for PTSD

• SSRI's, antidepressants.

Acute Stress Disorder

• Develops within 3 days to 1 month following a highly traumatic event.
• PTSD can be diagnosed within the first month following a traumatic event.
• Symptoms include intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative thoughts and emotions, sleep disturbances, and hypervigilance.

Adjustment Disorder

• A milder and less specific version of ASD or PTSD.
• Precipitated by a stressful life event.

This quiz covers trauma-related disorders with a focus on their impact on children and adolescents. You will explore attachment disorders, PTSD symptoms, risk factors, and effective interventions. Test your knowledge on the importance of trauma-informed care and how it affects treatment outcomes.