Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents is a condition of intense and prolonged psychological distress that occurs after exposure to a traumatic event such as an accident, natural disaster, violence, abuse, or sudden loss. It is characterized by fear, helplessness, and re-experiencing symptoms following the traumatic experience.
Children and adolescents with PTSD may repeatedly recall the event, experience nightmares, avoid reminders of the trauma, show exaggerated startle responses, and remain in a constant state of hypervigilance. Attention difficulties, irritability, social withdrawal, and sleep disturbances are also common accompanying symptoms.
The development of PTSD is influenced by factors such as the severity of the trauma, the level of social support, individual resilience, and previous life experiences. Children may express trauma differently than adults, often through behavioral changes or by reenacting aspects of the trauma in play.
Treatment includes trauma-focused psychotherapy, re-establishing a sense of safety, family support, and, when necessary, pharmacological intervention. The goal is to reduce the impact of the traumatic experience, restore the child’s sense of safety, and support healthy functioning.
Dr Mehmet Çolak, SpecialistChild and Adolescent Psychiatrist