Interventions Plus

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is becoming more prevalent in today’s society. It isn’t a disorder that only effects those subjected to the ravages of war and victims subjected to violence.

Boston Medical Center undertook recent studies andfound exposure domestic violence and within the local community—even the evening news— could cause individuals to develop symptoms of PTSD including irrational fear and anxiety.

The results of watching horror movies or violence in the school playground may trigger symptoms of PTSD. As a upshot of this, children could experience difficulty focusing on tasks and thinking clearly. It also puts them at risk of copying the behavior they have witnessed, such as destructive vandalism and angry outbursts.

Another unexpected result can be the body’s response to the cortisol levels. Stressful situations cause an increase in blood sugar to ensure the muscles are ready for the flight or fight response. Increases in bloody pressure will also see an imbalance in the body’s stress hormone levels.

The psychological toll on an adolescent will tend to result in a loss of innocence—which leads to an inability to trust anyone. Recurrent memories, nightmares and a feeling of helplessness may cause risky behavior as a means to avoid thinking about the situation.

Drug and alcohol abuse, anger and other menacing behavior can manifest as a way of avoiding that, which can’t be unseen. If your child is exhibiting troubling behavior following a traumatic event, it’s best to find a therapist they can talk to.

It’s not always an easy road, but it’s an important step to equip them with coping skills to into adulthood.