Understanding PTSD in Portuguese Youth: Predictors and Risk Factors in a Multi-Clinic, Treatment-Engaged Sample.

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Trauma Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in children and adolescents.
• Existing research often overlooks pediatric PTSD predictors, focusing primarily on adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of PTSD in a clinical sample of children and adolescents.
• To identify pre-traumatic, event-related, and post-traumatic factors associated with PTSD development.

Main Methods:

• Utilized clinical records and standardized assessments (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Checklist of Potentially Traumatic Events).
• Included 101 participants aged 7-18 with at least one traumatic event and a 1-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• PTSD prevalence was 35.6%.
• Older age, interpersonal traumatic events, and being a single involved person increased PTSD risk.
• Dissociative symptoms showed the strongest association with PTSD, followed by avoidance, intrusive thoughts, and mood/cognition symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Several factors predict PTSD development in pediatric populations.
• Increased awareness, specialized training for healthcare workers, and targeted prevention/intervention strategies are crucial for promoting long-term child well-being.