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Posttraumatic stress disorder in children: a review of the past 10 years

B Pfefferbaum1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190-3048, USA.

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|December 12, 1997
PubMed

Insights

This review examines posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children, finding that while assessment is well-studied, more research is needed on long-term outcomes and effective treatments for childhood PTSD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Trauma Studies

Background:

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly recognized in children following traumatic events.
  • Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing PTSD development and recovery in pediatric populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current knowledge on the clinical presentation, assessment, and treatment of PTSD in children.
  • To identify gaps in the literature regarding the epidemiology, longitudinal course, and treatment efficacy of childhood PTSD.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive review of existing literature on pediatric PTSD.
  • Examination of studies focusing on the clinical presentation, assessment tools, and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • PTSD in children is associated with diverse traumatic experiences, with partial symptomatology and comorbidity being common.
  • Factors influencing trauma response and recovery include stressor characteristics, individual (gender, age, psychiatric history), family, and cultural elements.
  • Interventions often occur in school or community settings, reflecting the prevalence of PTSD after disasters.

Conclusions:

  • Extensive research exists on PTSD assessment in children, but the longitudinal course and treatment effectiveness require further investigation.
  • Biological correlates of pediatric PTSD warrant greater attention to enhance understanding and therapeutic approaches.
Abstract

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