Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children Essay

Abstract slip accidental injurytic var. perturb affects non but adults but all overly babyren. in that respect ar quatern major shipway by which injurytic instances whitethorn affect the psychological state of peasantren cognitively, affectively, behavior in ally and psychosomatically. on that point atomic number 18 questions as to the sufficiency of the instrumentation used in determining and measuring of the inconvenience oneself. Studies as head up as show that the forethought readyd by adults in seeing signs of encroachment in babyren whitethorn be affecting adversely affecting the possible therapeutic benefits of normal kids play and somatic activity. in that respect whitethorn be a need for programs specifically geargond to state of ward educating p bents and primary care givers of clawren endorseing from staintraumatic stress inconvenience in how to handle and deal with the childs disorder and psychological needs.Post traumatic Stress Dis order in baberen as a Result of Violence, wickedness and WarIt is non unusual for most adults, particularly those who are parents, to keep bad things away from children. As much as possible, childhood should remain a time of innocence and joy withtaboo the responsibility or care for matters that trouble the world. But what if it but kindle non be avoided and bad things happen to children? In the aftermath of suffering e releases, how do children display trauma and what are the things that flock should know in dealing with children suffering from post-traumatic show disorder? For example, the September 11, 2001 curse attacks left idler families and children who progress to lost moms and dads in that instant. Even adults and children who were in straight touch by the attacks curb big(p) to suffer findings of anxiety and shattered security in their face-to-face and familial safety ( smith & Reynolds, 2002).Besides the inevit open feelings of grief, children oddly were left behind and oft contend with nightmares and unwholesome portrayals of the traumatic deaths their loved ones sleep togetherd as intumesce as the stress and roughy of trying to picture lives without mom or dad. It is excessively of the essence(p) to dream up that the make of trauma are not exceptional to those who suffer it directly (Sims, Hayden, Palmer & Hutchins, 2000, p. 41)The ubiquity of television similarly afforded children at home not only intelligence of the attacks but as easily vivid pictures and descriptions of the tr givedy and all its violence.The case of a 7-year old boy named insurgent is cited in the study (2002) by Smith and Reynolds. future(a) the 9/11 attacks, Johnny actual a unceasing fear of his parents leavinghome and acquiring killed by bad men. He also real a phobia of airlifts and would throw tantrums whenever his parents tried to rack up him use one. Johnny admitted to his therapist that his fear of elevator stemmed from a story he comprehend of how people in the Twin Towers were trapped and killed spell riding in the elevators. (Smith & Reynolds, 2002) N all Johnny nor his family were directly regard or impact in the terror attack.The mental and emotional strain suffered by survivors and those affected by this very spirited profile event led to the Ameri dissolve Psychiatric Associations setting up of counseling services focalisation on grief, acute stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Smith & Reynolds, 2002).What is PTSD? Originally associated with survivors and veterans of the Vietnam War, PTSD refers to an impairment of an individuals capability to run short in everyday following exposure or experience of an exceptionally disturbing event. Besides war, this has grown to cover the ill mental and emotional effects of pictorial and civilian catastrophes, criminal assault, rape, terrorist attacks and accidents. (Murray, 1992, p. 315)The DSM IV presents a more(prenominal) broadened defi nition of traumatic exposure as the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or fakeer(a)s, and which evoked earnest fear, upkeeplessness, or horror (Mcnally, 2003).This broadened definition also qualifies utmost(a) horror at what other peoples experience or events outside their environment as possible starts of PTSD.Symptoms of PTSD embarrass vivid and pathological im seasonry, numbing, disruptions in thoughts and cognition, delayed response and reaction, strong feelings of anxiety, attention of nightmares and difficulties in dealing with and solving problems. (Foa & Meadows, 1997)Saylor and Swenson, et.al state that to begin with the late 80s in that location was marginal attention given to how children were affected by traumatic events. It took two powerful hurricanes, one devastating seism and the bombing of the Oklahoma Center b efore it was know that there were very little preparedness in ministering to the psychological needs of traumatized children (Saylor, Swenson, Reynolds & Taylor, 1999, p. 70).In 1999, psychologist Barbara Lowenthal pegged the number of children in America being exposed to traumatic events apiece year at four million. These traumatic events include physical, sexual and emotional abuse neglect accidents gross(a) injuries and natural disasters. Lowenthal also says that these children are at a high risk of suffering from PTSD and may cause them to be prone to developing phobias and other neuro-psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression (Lowenthal, 1999).The National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD, 2001) reports that there is a higher likelihood of psychological symptoms associated with PTSD to be found among children who have experienced traumatic events before the age of 11 compared to those who suffer trauma at later ages. (Alat, 2002)Lowenthal also sa ys that besides the general symptoms of PTSD, children who have suffered trauma are likely to develop difficulties in forming relationships, cognition and learning, as well as a numbing that may make affected children experience difficulty in understanding and expressing their feelings in addition to regulating their emotions. This frequentlytimes leads to provocative behaviors and avoidance of intimacy. (Lowenthal, 1999).In his article in the diary of Multi- heathenish Counseling and tuition in 2004, clinical psychologist and Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) Gargi Roysircar examine the case of 20-year old Yugoslavian migr Stephen, who at the age of 10 witnessed the height of the civil war in the midst of Christians and Muslims in Kosovo in 1990. Stephen remembers witnessing about 80% of his classmates sterilise killed by bombs, sniper shots and gunfire as they walked to and from school. At age 14, Stephen was taken by his father to the frontlines and be adroit in combat to fight with the Serbian army. The bordering two years wold take Stephen all over the Balkans and would expose him to all kinds of privation and war atrocities. in conclusion migrating as political refugees in the United States, in 1999, Stephen demonstrated difficulty in acculturation and adjustment. The constant displacement he experienced in war along with the mistrust bred by his past times and cultural paranoia fostered by the Croatian community they lived with made it difficult for Stephen to acclimatize to peacetime setting. Roysircar describes Stephen as having recurrent thoughts and images of his violent experience in the Balkans. He experienced nightmares, hostility and a profound sense of a lack of belonging. Stephen also often recounted the difficulties he experienced including hiding in a basement and eating rats especially when angry. He also displays a deep-seated hatred for the Muslims and believes the optic East should be wiped off the face of the flat coat (Roysircar, 2004). This kind of behavior can very well be treated as expected gibe to an study published in the Australian journal of betimes puerility in 2000. The investigators posit that in war-torn times, children are forced to adjust out of necessity for survival. This experience develops the vagary of a wild world where no one can be trusted and therefore prompts children to be the aggressor alternatively than the victim (Sims, Hayden, Palmer & Hutchins, 2000, p. 41).According to Vazquez there are many a(prenominal) another(prenominal) conditions that fit the general description of PTSD. There are moreover differences in depth, complexity and intensity that assume appropriate and often differing sermons (Vazquez, 2005).In Stephens case, the therapy regularity that worked for him involved deep self-reflection and existential therapy sessions with his counselor where he was able to open up and tell stories of his experiences and thoughts of his past a nd present, and dreams for the future (Roysircar, 2004). do and Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress DisorderIt is important to remember that not every child who is exposed to or experiences trauma develops PTSD. Since the 1980s there has been marked growth in the development of instrumentation in the measurement and treatment of PTSD in children. These assessment methods designed for children of diametrical age mathematical multitudes include structured interviews, questionnaires, self-report scales, inventories, and psychophysiological evaluation (Alat, 2002)There are four major ways by which PTSD can affect children cognitively,affectively, behavioral and physiological-somatically (Lowenthal, 1999 Alat, 2002).Cognitively, children experience fear at a possible repeating of the traumatic event. Some may even feel responsible for the traumatic events occurrence. There may also be mix-up, academic and developmental problems, lowered IQ and diminished abilities in actors line an d communication.In its affective effects, children with PTSD become emotionally fragile and are given to fits of outburst and pettishness. They develop low thresholds for stress and fear. They become nervous, compulsive and often feel a sense of futility.Behaviors can also become extreme. Affected children may become either very loud or very shy. It is not unusual for children to revert to juvenile behavior such as thumb sucking or lapse in academic knowledge. They may also develop self-destructive behavior and become vulnerable to alcohol, drugs, and self-abuse.Children may also manifest PTSD in the form of physical sickness such as high temperatures, vomiting and headaches(Alat, 2002). There may also be instances of sleep and eating disorders, fatigue and biochemical alterations in the brain (Alat, 2002)Family members and teachers generally notice these symptoms first. At this time, it is important that both come together and develop ways of supporting the affected child. A sch ool counselor may be able to help gauge whether a child indeed has PTSD or not.Therapy with a professionally trained psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor or therapist is the treatment for persons diagnosed with PTSD. The methods employed however, may switch according to the severity of the disorder as may be observed in the individual.Majority of the suggested therapies that parents and educators are encouraged to employ with children suffering from PTSD are physical and social expression/reflection done group and one-on one action as well as play based therapies (Alat, 2002). This particular therapy however has encountered difficulties particularly after the 9/11 attacks and the idea that aggression addressed in the earlier stages exit stave off future violent behavior.For example, a child who builds a tower of blocks and flies an planing machine into them may be viewed as at-risk for future violence. This childs behavior, in fact, may be a healthy and developmentally appro priate way to accumulate mastery over the childs fears, anger, and confusion about Sept. 11.Smith and Reynolds (2002) decry this repression of a childs possible venting or anger and state that instead of suppressing the aggression manifested by children at play, parents and educators should let children be within certain limits. As long as children do not cause harm to themselves, others or objects within their surroundings, it is best that they be allowed to express their anger and whatever negative feelings they have in a therapeutic manner. (Smith & Reynolds, 2002)Conclusion The researcher observes that while there is an acceptance and awareness of the humanity of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among children, there even so seem to be a make out of confusion as to what are the indicators of such disorder as well as the methods by which it should be addressed and treated.While Lowenthal (1999), Alat (2002) and other psychologists have managed to change such symptoms in four m ain categories, it is also stated in most studies that childhood trauma does not necessarily result in PTSD. There is still a question as to how the number lay person may be able to distinguish between delayed PTSD and natural defiance and common anxiety.The researcher also detect that several of the symptoms listed in determining PTSD can also be found listed as symptoms of other psychological disorders in the DSM IV. The only difference is that with PTSD, there is a requisite traumatic event that is say to act as a trigger for the disorder.Smith and Reynolds (2002) make a valid point as to how adult paranoia of events that could possibly happen could seriously stop the coping mechanism of children and therefore cause more harm than good. Logic dictates that feelings left unexpressed often come out one way or another.Alat also makes a good suggestion in encouraging teachers /educators to help children express their feelings in group discussions. As adults benefit largely in grou p therapy, there is no reason why children should not be able to do the same.Recommendations Despite its many advancements in instrumentation and awareness, there are still many gray areas in how people can support and help children suffering PTSD. The researcher recommends that save studies be done with the objective of clarifying and just distinguishing PTSD symptoms from other psychological disorders so that those affected may receive the appropriate treatment. The researcher elevate recommends that programs designed to improve teachers, primary care givers and parents in the impact of PTSD on children as well as the many ways they can help support the childs treatment. Most of the childs time is spent with family and school. It may peradventure speed up progress of therapy is extended beyond the time they spend with their clinical therapists. There is the posting that adults may feel fear at what they descry to be early signs of violence and aggression. The very fact that this sort of thinking exists stands as proof that attention to educating the people in a childs environment with regard to what is natural and not in childrens behavioral patterns must be emphasized. aeonian communication between parents and other people their children interact with particularly in the period following a traumatic event may also be helpful in gauging any effects the vent may have had. Children exhibiting changes in behavior must also be carefully observed. As in the case of little Johnny who suddenly developed a fear of elevators, there may just be something behind the changes in a childs behavior. Forcing them to face fears without completely understanding the nail down of these fears may only cause irreparable damage. These are just a few things that psychologists and behaviorists must educate parents and the other people in close pass on with a child possibly suffering from post traumatic stress disorder in.ReferencesAlat, K. (2002). Traumatic Events and Chi ldren How archaean Childhood Educators Can Help. Childhood Education, 79(1), 2+. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002498529Foa, E., & Meadows, E. (1997). Psychosocial Treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder A Critical Review. 449+. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000413895Lowenthal, B. (1999). Effects of Maltreatment and Ways to Promote Childrens Resiliency. Childhood Education, 75(4), 204+. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002315362Mcnally, R. J. (2003). Progress and literary argument in the Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. 229+. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002051892Murray, J. B. (1992). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder A Review. Genetic, Social, and everyday Psychology Monographs, 118(3), 315-338. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database htt p//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=96430362Roysircar, G. (2004). Child Survivor of War A Case Study. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 32(3), 168+. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5012181947Saylor, C. F., Swenson, C. C., Reynolds, S. S., & Taylor, M. (1999). The Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale a Brief Screening Measure for Young Children unfastened to Traumatic Events. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 28(1), 70-81. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=81021655Sims, M., Hayden, J., Palmer, G., & Hutchins, T. (2000). Working in Early Childhood Settings with Children Who Have Experienced Refugee or War-Related Trauma. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 25(4), 41. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001127890Smith, S., & Reynolds, C. (2002). Innocent Lost The Impact of 9-11 on the Development of Children. account of the American Psychotherapy Association, 5(5), 12+. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5002560442Vazquez, S. R. (2005). A New simulacrum for PTSD Treatment Emotional Transformation Therapy. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 8(2), 18+. Retrieved November 21, 2007, from Questia database http//www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5011704316