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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:
- Repetitive play that re-enacts the trauma
- Distressing dreams of the
event that may evolve into general nightmares of monsters
or of threats to self or significant
others
- In cases of traumatic loss, children often report experiencing “ghosts” of
loved ones
- Disorganised or agitated behaviour
- Preoccupation with other traumatic
events
Avoidance and Numbing
While less common in children than in adults, the following signs may
be present:
- Social withdrawal and wanting to be alone
- Loss of interest in significant
activities
- A sense of foreshortened future: being unable
to imagine themselves as grown up
- A return to “babyish” behaviour
Arousal
Following trauma, children may become tense and frightened. This may
be expressed through:
- Attention and concentration problems
- Clinging, dependent behaviour
- Fearfulness, especially at night
or when separated from parents
- Sleep disturbance and nightmares
- Grizzling, whining, and irritability
Associated Problems
Children may develop several associated problems
following trauma, including:
- Aches
and pains
- Bed wetting
- General misbehaviour and “naughtiness”
- Tantrums and attention
seeking behaviour
- Poor school performance, loss of motivation
- Sometimes, experience
of trauma can result in other problems in the child’s
development
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:
- Keep communicating: talk about what is happening and how
family members feel. This helps prevent children from
feeling alone, isolated, and misunderstood
- Reassure children
that they are safe and will be cared for
- Listen and talk
to them about the experience. Honest, open discussion is
best – even very young children know something
has happened. Like adults, the unknown is often more frightening than the
reality for
children
- Some children will need extra encouragement
or special attention, especially at bedtime
- Allow expression
of emotions – they are part of the healing process; support
the child and allow them time to work
through it
- Do things as a family and make sure time is reserved for
enjoyable and rewarding experiences together; shared
pleasure carries a family through many difficulties
- Keep family roles clear.
Don’t expect children to take too much responsibility
but, equally, do not become too overprotective.
Try to understand if they cannot fulfill their role for a time (like going
to school or helping around the house), but talk about
how they will resume normal activities as soon as possible.
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:
- Severe and continued sleep disturbance
- Severe anxiety on separation
from loved ones
- Continued fears about things which may remind
the child of the trauma
- Behaviour problems at home or school
- Self-doubts, a desire for withdrawal,
or other significant changes in emotions or personality
- A return to “babyish” behaviour that they had grown
out of
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):
Mailing Address:
ACPMH
Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre,
PO Box 5444,Heidelberg West,
Victoria 3081
Phone: +61 3 9496 2922
Fax: +61 3 9496 2830
Email: [email protected]
Connect to ACPMHs website for more valuable information on Post-Traumatic
Mental Health www.ncptsd.unimelb.edu.au
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