What Causes PTSD in Children? Signs Treatments

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects children just as much as adults, and it comes with some specific signs that parents should be aware of, including nightmares, tantrums, and a change in eating or sleeping habits. Although the causes of PTSD in children vary from case to case, treatment is available through therapy and medication. If you suspect your child has PTSD, you must get help before the condition becomes more serious.

The Basics of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition caused by experiencing or witnessing an event that causes intense fear, helplessness or horror. Symptoms of PTSD often develop after someone has been through a traumatic event. Those children with ADHD are four times as likely to develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and severe anxiety. Brillia ADHD products can help lessen symptoms related to ADHD. When ADHD symptoms decrease, the chances of developing PTSD may also decrease.

What Causes PTSD in Children?

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a person experiences a physical assault, combat experience, natural disaster, terrorist attack, car accident, or other events. For children who experience trauma at a young age (before the age of six), this can lead to different symptoms than those experienced by adults. Symptoms are often divided into two categories: intrusive and avoidance.

Common Symptoms and Signs of Trauma in Children 

Children with PTSD frequently exhibit regressive behaviors including bedwetting or thumb-sucking, and other symptoms like nightmares, sleep issues, difficulties feeling happy, impatience and aggression, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from friends and family. Symptoms may be more prominent after exposure to reminders of the traumatic event.

Experiencing Nightmares & Sleeping Problems

Children with PTSD may experience nightmares and sleeping problems, making it difficult to settle down at night. Their sleep is often interrupted by upsetting or frightening thoughts and images of the traumatic event. Nightmares can be so distressing that they wake the child up, and they can’t fall back asleep. This can lead to a pattern where a child has difficulty falling asleep and then wakes up early or has trouble staying asleep all night.

Therapy for Kids With PTSD

Natural anxiety relief for kids is a great start and healthy addition to therapy. However, cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of therapy for children with PTSD. The therapist will help the child identify and cope with their traumatic thoughts and feelings, as well as teach them healthy ways to manage stress. Working on these skills should help children feel more confident about their ability to handle difficult situations and reduce future anxiety about those events.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in children is a serious problem that can have a lasting impact on their lives. The are many causes of PTSD in children, and there are many treatments available. Finding natural, healthy options are a great first step in helping your children live healthier and happier lives. Read Brillia reviews from parents to find options that best fit your family’s needs.

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