Children of ISIS: considerations regarding trauma, treatment and risk

Nathan Brooks1, Vaishnavi Honnavalli2, Briar Jacobson-Lang3

  • 1College of Psychology, Central Queensland University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

Insights

Children returning from ISIS are at high risk for depression and anxiety due to trauma exposure. Developmental Trauma Disorder is considered, necessitating tailored psychological support and interventions for these child soldiers.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • International Relations

Background:

  • The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) utilized child soldiers, exposing them to violence and extremist ideology.
  • Children returning from ISIS face significant psychological and physical trauma.
  • This issue affects children returning to countries like Australia, the UK, and Europe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mental health impacts of child soldiery within ISIS.
  • To explore potential diagnoses such as Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD).
  • To discuss interventions and support systems for affected children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on child soldiers and trauma.
  • Examination of psychological symptomology and risk assessment tools.
  • Discussion of therapeutic interventions and support services.

Main Results:

  • Trauma exposure in child soldiers is linked to increased depression, anxiety, and externalizing problems.
  • Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) is a relevant consideration due to prolonged trauma.
  • Psychometric tools and psychological services are crucial for assessment and support.

Conclusions:

  • Returning child soldiers require specialized mental health care.
  • Early intervention and appropriate psychological services are vital for recovery.
  • Addressing the complex trauma experienced by these children is paramount.

Related Concept Videos

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder01:27

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
111
Dissociative Identity Disorder01:30

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...
198
Bullying02:04

Bullying

A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is...
8.5K
Traumatic Memory01:20

Traumatic Memory

Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual...
171
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture01:27

Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
85
Psychosurgery01:30

Psychosurgery

Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
104