Question

Describe how children with PTSD might demonstrate re-experiencing differently from adults. What developmental features should be considered in evaluating children for this disorder?

Answer 1

• Any person who has experienced something traumatic in their life could be affected by PTSD.People with PTSD re-experience their trauma in the form of flashbacks,memories,night mares etc,especially when they are exposed to events or things which tend to remind them of the trauma.
• There are many causes for PTSD which include,violent attacks,physical abuse,car crash,fire accidents,catastrophic events etc.The signs of PTSD in adults and children are similar but PTSD does look different in children.The child continues to relive the trauma over and over again in their mind just like an adult.
• PTSD symptoms can vary depending on the age of the child and the circumstances of the trauma, they include:-
• Younger children with PTSD show more fearful and regressive behaviours,like bedwetting or thumb-sucking and also may re-experience the trauma through play,unlike adults.The child may feel the need to hash out the trauma verbally or in play,writings,drawings etc.
• They have problems in school and have difficulty in concentrating as they are preoccupied with traumatic thoughts and constant fear of death.
• They may have physical complaints like stomach aches,with no identifiable medical cause.
• Chlildren also feel intense anxiety when separated from their family members.
• Adults are able to better verbalize their experiences and feelings than children.Small children have difficulties in recognizing their frightening thoughts and sensations they experience during flashbacks and are not able to understand that those memories are not real,the trauma is not actually happening.
• They are more likely to react physically when re-experiencing trauma by being aggressive towards their parents,crying,screaming etc.
• Young children consider their parents as their safety net,so they would cling to them more when experiencing PTSD.
• Older children and adults have more understanding of the symptoms and may experience feelings similar to adults.They may feel guilty for not preventing death or injury,leading to development of disruptive behaviours,like revenge.