The assessment and treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in children and adolescents

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2000 Mar;41(3):277-89.

Abstract

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a syndrome defined by the intrusive re-experiencing of a trauma, avoidance of traumatic reminders, and persistent physiological arousal. PTSD is associated with high levels of comorbidity and may increase the risk for additional disorders over time. While controversies remain regarding the applicability of the PTSD criteria to very young children, it has proved to be a useful framework for guiding assessment and treatment research with older children and adolescents. This article presents an overview of the literature on the clinical characteristics, assessment, and treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological / physiology
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / complications
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors