NCJ Number
114768
Date Published
1985
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a variety of traumatic and catastrophic situations, with particular focus on the reactions of child victims in natural and human-induced disasters, hostage-taking, child molestation, and physical assault.
Abstract
A review of the literature indicates a variety of psychological and behavioral short- and long-term effects. Short-term effects include sleep disorders, persistent thoughts of the trauma, belief that another trauma will occur, conduct disturbances, hyperalertness, avoidance of stimuli symbolic of the event, psychophysiological disturbances, and regression. Several studies have found long-term effects of trauma in both children and adults, including increases in mental illness, psychosomatic symptoms, spouse abuse, anxiety, and withdrawal. Depending upon the age of the child, various forms of therapeutic intervention are needed in times of crisis. Because children under stress may lack the verbal skills to express their fears and tensions, it is necessary to use nonverbal methods both to observe problems and treat them. Signs of PTSD may include sleep and conduct disturbances, separation anxiety, phobias, and self-doubts. Treatment techniques require a safe, supportive environment and may include coloring storybooks, structured or unstructured drawing, play therapy, group psychotherapy, and incident-specific treatment. Skills needed for intervening with child or adult victims of major emergencies include administrative skills and the ability to provide support, recognize emotional problems, and reactions, provide information, and develop skills of caregivers. 13 references.