Trauma-Informed Care for Behaviorally Dysregulated Youth: Emergency Department, Inpatient and Residential Programs

Exposure to trauma is common and frequently overlooked in behaviorally dysregulated youth. Common trauma-related symptoms, such as exaggerated startle responses, dissociative episodes, and irritability, may resemble behavioral dysregulation. These responses may not be recognized as being related to trauma. As a result, traumatized young people are often misdiagnosed and treated with antipsychotics. Trauma-informed care in health care settings, which includes systematic screening, staff training, trauma skills groups, and ongoing monitoring, is one way of addressing the effects of trauma and ensuring that young people receive access to the evidence-based care they deserve.