Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be triggered when kids and teenagers undergo horrible, scary, and overwhelming encounters. The above occurrences cause trauma, and it is unique to the individual, which can be instigated by events such as car accidents, bullying, natural disasters, or frightening medical procedures (Karam et al., 2019). Someone with the disease will continue to experience what happened during the trauma since the brain and body have remembered it, even though it is already over.
Signs and Symptoms
Children and adolescents with the illness may display different signs and symptoms. These terrible memories may cause nightmares and flashbacks, making individuals seem as if they are reliving it all over again (Mavranezouli et al., 2019). They can be easily frightened, have trouble sleeping, or exhibit excessive jumping. Teenagers may try to avoid areas, people, or activities that trigger memories of their suffering.
Pharmacological Treatments
Doctors sometimes recommend the medication to reduce the signs of the disorder. These treatments are specifically selected to address issues such as depression, anxiety, or difficulty falling asleep. Antidepressants are utilized and can make one feel better and leave them with a feeling of harmony (Vinkers et al., 2019). Patients are given tranquilizers called Specific Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors to help relieve the traumatic experience.
Anti-anxiety medication is administered and acts as a defensive layer against the sensation of tension. They assist one in remaining composed amidst their anxieties and fears and can be prescribed to some of the patients who have been diagnosed with sickness, troubled sleep, and even nightmares. Sleeping medications are used to ensure the clients sleep soundly through the night (Karam et al., 2019). A decent night’s rest can significantly impact one’s mood and energy levels during the day.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Some non-drug treatments may help children and teens who have the ailment. They include rehabilitation, support from loved ones, relaxation techniques, art therapy, and play therapy. Talking to a therapist or counselor is an essential step in PTSD treatment as it helps in containing and managing the trauma (Kitchiner et al., 2019). Various kinds of healing methods should be considered, for example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a psychotherapy that helps individuals become aware of and replace negative thought cycles with positive ones for happier lives.
Community Resources and Referrals
Seeking assistance from specialists is essential, as numerous resources are available in society. Counselors at schools can help children and teens with PTSD. They can offer resources and refer families to professionals when necessary. There are also many support groups available in communities that cater to children, teens, and caretakers with the complication (Karam et al., 2019). Support groups can offer a safe space for discussing problems and receiving guidance. There are 24-hour helplines available for each city and state in the country, which often provide information on local mental health services and resources, as well as contact details for experts. They specifically deal with children and teenagers who have the condition.
References
Karam, E. G., Fayyad, J. A., Farhat, C., Pluess, M., Haddad, Y. C., Tabet, C. C., Farah, L., & Kessler, R. C. (2019). Role of childhood adversities and environmental sensitivity in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in war-exposed Syrian refugee children and adolescents. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 214(06), 354–360.
Kitchiner, N. J., Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., & Bisson, J. I. (2019). Active duty and ex-serving military personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder treated with psychological therapies: Systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1).
Mavranezouli, I., Megnin‐Viggars, O., Daly, C., Dias, S., Stockton, S., Meiser‐Stedman, R., Trickey, D., & Pilling, S. (2019). Research review: Psychological and psychosocial treatments for children and young people with post‐traumatic stress disorder: A network meta‐analysis. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 61(1), 18–29.
Vinkers, C. H., Geuze, E., van Rooij, S. J., Kennis, M., Schür, R. R., Nispeling, D. M., Smith, A. K., Nievergelt, C. M., Uddin, M., Rutten, B. P., Vermetten, E., & Boks, M. P. (2019). Successful treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder reverses DNA methylation marks. Molecular Psychiatry, 26(4), 1264–1271.