Pediatric Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

These are some of the most common symptoms of PTSD in children:

• Sleep disturbances including fear of sleep, nightmares or bedwetting
• Extreme emotional reactions when reminded of the traumatic event
• Crying and depressed feelings
• Being easily startled or jumpy
• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Detachment from others
• General lack of response to others
• Bad tempered, aggressive or even violent behavior
• Avoiding certain places or situations that bring back memories of the event
• Flashbacks or disturbing images of the traumatic event
• Re-creating and re-living the traumatic event through talk or play
• Problems concentrating or with attention
• Behaviors that they should have grown out of (for example, sucking their thumb, or wanting to sleep with a parent or sibling)

At Children’s National Hospital, child psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals may interview the child or teen and his or her parents. We may have the patient and family fill out questionnaires about different aspects of the child’s or teen’s life, including physical health concerns, difficulties at school or behavior with friends and family.

Following a full assessment, a member of the Children’s National care team will discuss treatment options with the child or teen and his or her family. Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) is effective in treating PTSD. Most studies show that there are no medicines that are effective in treating PTSD. CBT includes helping children and teens think about the trauma in a new way that promotes coping and rebuilding a strong sense of self. Gradually, children and teens are helped to talk and think about the trauma in order to reduce anxiety. They may be taught different ways to relax, and may also learn new sleep habits. Parents play a strong role the treatment of children and teens in PTSD, since support from others is so important.