The Effects of PTSD on a Child

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that may develop after exposure to a life-threatening event. PTSD is known to affect adults as well as children.

In children, PTSD may be the result of abuse, neglect, or surviving some kind of traumatic event (e.g., a hurricane, a tornado, a plane crash). PTSD can leave the affected child feeling lost, angry, helpless, or trapped in a constant state of fear and over-excitement. He or she is likely to suffer from nightmares and feel threatened by things that serve as a reminder of the traumatic event.

Another issue that may arise is a sense of guilt. Children can convince themselves that they are somehow responsible for the tragedy, so it’s important for them to find a way to express their grief.

For more details on how children deal with PTSD, visit the link below.

http://mentalhealthupdate.blogspot.com/2009/01/guilt-and-ptsd-in-children.html