Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) refers to the condition in which a person experiences long-term and recurrent stress symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event. In general, the rate of PTSD development in children exposed to trauma is reported as 15%. Traumatic events can be listed as sexual abuse and violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, natural disasters, traffic accidents, wars, and school shootings. The type of trauma and the intensity of exposure play a critical role in the development of PTSD in the child.

Traumas perpetrated by people, the severity of the trauma and its occurrence by someone close, multiple trauma exposure, trauma at an early age, presence of anxiety disorder in the parent, previous trauma history, presence of additional psychiatric illness, low parental support, family conflicts and separation, and insufficient social support are factors that increase the risk of PTSD. Most individuals can adapt to normal life after a traumatic event thanks to protective factors. These protective factors include strong parental support, low parental PTSD levels, presence of family and social support, presence of stable and secure relationships, early intervention, and screening.

Clinical symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing (flashbacks), avoidance of trauma reminders, negative thinking and affect changes, hyperarousal symptoms; in children under 6 years of age: repetition of the trauma in play, regressive behaviors, difficulty separating from parents, crying, screaming; in school-age children: withdrawal, destructive behaviors, attention problems, regressive behaviors, sleep problems, nightmares, reluctance to go to school, decline in school performance, depression and anxiety symptoms, and feelings of guilt can be observed.

The most effective method in treatment is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The components of the therapy include psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, parental involvement, and gaining relationship strengthening skills. Another therapy method is the application known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Studies have shown it to be an effective intervention method in both adults and children. Medication treatment in children and adolescents may not be as effective as in adults. While psychotherapy is the first-line intervention method, the first choice in medication treatment is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) known as SSRIs.