Post-Traumatic Stress in Children

I read an interesting article about post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescence. It stated that children can experience post-traumatic stress from situations some may not consider traumatic in nature. It does not necessarily take a child being abused or neglected to cause such a disorder. An example of situations that may cause post-traumatic stress in children may be parents continually arguing with one another, or a new or fearful change in their environment that challenges their comfort zone. The article presented several signs and symptoms that may describe a child who is experiencing the disorder. A child may have recurring or disturbing memories of the event. They may experience increasing levels of anxiety, anger, or distress. They may relive the experience over and over. A child qualifies as having PTSD if they meet three or more of the criteria. The article also suggests if the child does not receive care or treatment it may have severe implications, and possible harm to their development.

I think this is alarming, due to the fact that many parent may not even know if their child is experiencing this disorder. If can cause them severe problems if left untreated. Many families and parents argue continually around their children and very few even realize that it can be causing their child problems. Children are also changing environments continually, especially with high divorce rates, and that may be traumatic to children as well. As a result, I believe more people need to be educated about PTSD, and that the disorder may be taking hold of the individuals who reside within their homes.