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(This information is reprinted, with permission, from the website of the Australian Centre for Post-Traumatic Mental Health. WFMH gratefully acknowledges the work of the ACPMH, and their permission to use this material. Contact information for the Centre can be found at the conclusion of this fact sheet) Post Trauma Symptoms In Children PTSD may develop in children. Their responses to trauma may, however, differ in important ways to those seen in adults. Children may find it hard to understand what has happened. They may be unable to describe how they are feeling and instead may express themselves in other ways. Children respond to trauma in a range of ways – there is no typical or “normal” reaction. Nevertheless, some responses are common. The following signs may be seen in children following trauma, but do not necessarily indicate the existence of PTSD. Most are normal and will resolve in time with the help of caring family members and friends. However, if they are too severe or last too long, they may indicate the need for professional assistance. Reliving the Trauma In traumatised children, reliving may occur in:
Avoidance and Numbing While less common in children than in adults, the following signs may be present:
Arousal Following trauma, children may become tense and frightened. This may be expressed through:
Associated Problems Children may develop several associated problems following trauma, including:
Occasionally, these problems may be delayed until some time after the trauma. Often these signs are misunderstood – it appears the child is just being naughty. However, they may be indicators of a traumatic stress reaction and should be given careful attention. How Can You Help? Parental responses are very important in helping the child to cope with the aftermath of trauma. It is important for parents to recognise that the child’s behaviour may be part of a traumatic stress response, rather than willful behaviour. It is crucial not to become angry and blame the child for this behaviour. Like adults, most children’s reactions diminish over time. Parents and other adults can help the recovery process in the following ways:
When To Seek Assistance Like adults, most children will adapt and grow through crisis with the love and support of their family and friends. However, if the child’s reactions are particularly severe or prolonged, or if you have other concerns about the way that your child is reacting to a traumatic incident, contact someone who is trained to assess the situation and advise you. If the following common reactions continue for more than a few days they should alert parents to the possibility of more serious trauma reactions and the need for further help:
If you are concerned, talk to your family doctor, community health centre, or school counsellor. You may wish to ask for a referral to a mental health practitioner who specialises in child trauma. The department of psychiatry in your local children’s hospital is also a good source of information, support and treatment if required. This page contains information about children and posttrauma reactions that can also be found in the brochures that the ACPMH produces. These are available to the public. Just contact the ACPMH to obtain copies of our brochures. Please note that a small fee may apply for a larger quantities of brochures. Contact THE AUSTRALIAN CENTRE FOR POST-TRAUMATIC MENTAL HEALTH (ACPMH):
Connect to ACPMH’s website for more valuable information on Post-Traumatic Mental Health – www.ncptsd.unimelb.edu.au
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