Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD, is a devastating issue affecting millions of people in the United States. It’s a mental health condition specifically caused by exposure to something traumatic—combat, death, a natural disaster, sexual or physical abuse, a life-threatening accident. And it doesn’t discriminate. Anyone, no matter their age, can develop PTSD.
It’s a harrowing reality. In a national survey of teenagers aged 13 to 18, it was found that roughly 5% of adolescents struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. Prevalence of PTSD in teenage girls was found to be significantly higher than in boys (8% vs. 2.3%). Even still, these statistics are likely underestimated, as many traumas go unreported and many cases of PTSD go undiagnosed.
Every day, children, teens, and young adults experience trauma. Data shows that two-thirds of teens are exposed to trauma by late adolescence. And according to child protective services, some of the most commonly cited reports of trauma involve neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and violence in some capacity. And while not all traumatic experiences will lead to a PTSD diagnosis, it’s highly possible given the vulnerable state of the child/adolescent brain.
Therefore, it is critical for parents, guardians, educators, and mentors to know the signs of PTSD in children and teens. If your loved one has witnessed or dealt with trauma in some capacity, educate yourself on post-traumatic stress disorder—it can look very different in young people vs. adults.
We’re here to help. Below we break down the signs and symptoms of PTSD in children and teens.
Common Signs of PTSD in Children
At a very young age, it can be difficult to identify PTSD as young children (e.g. ages 1 to 3 years old) are not able to fully communicate. Trauma-induced stress responses at this age can lead to frequent temper tantrums, irritability, sadness, and a tendency to act even younger than their age. They may regress, for example, in potty training or other previously accomplished milestones. They may also become more clingy and anxious when apart from their caregivers.
In older children, such as ages 4 to 12, the symptoms of PTSD become more identifiable. For example, children with PTSD tend to:
- Re-live the traumatic event, often through play, artwork, or conversation
- Experience nightmares and/or sleep disturbances
- Actively avoid things (or people, places) that remind them of the trauma
- Develop fear of strangers or situations, seeing world as unsafe
- Express more negative thoughts and feelings than typical
- Become visibly upset when remembering or recounting the event
- Withdraw or go “numb,” lacking expression
- Experience inexplicable physical symptoms, like a persistent stomachache
- Lose interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Become more anxious and aware, in efforts to avoid future trauma, as well as easily startled
- Be more restless or have trouble paying attention and staying organized
Symptoms of PTSD in Teenagers
Teenagers struggling with PTSD may continue to carry out some of the symptoms displayed by children, but also begin to show more “traditional” signs of PTSD, as seen in many adults. Due to their stage of development, teens with PTSD are also more likely to exhibit impulsive, risky, destructive, or aggressive behaviors. However, PTSD symptoms in teens can be emotional, behavioral, and physical. They include:
- Having frequent, intrusive thoughts about the trauma
- Experiencing recurring nightmares or flashbacks
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind them of the trauma
- Avoiding thoughts or conversations about what happened
- Trouble remembering parts of the trauma
- Feeling constantly on edge or unsafe
- Being easily startled (i.e. hyperarousal)
- Having trouble sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent anger, irritability, and mood swings
- Heightened emotions and reactivity
- Persistent sadness or anxiety
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or blame
- Negative thoughts about themselves or the world
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Impulsive, reckless, and high-risk behaviors or decision-making
- Self-harm behaviors and thoughts of suicide or death
How Soon Do PTSD Symptoms Begin?
Clinically speaking, PTSD symptoms usually begin within a few months of witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. However, there is not one specific timeline—the signs of PTSD can emerge years later, too, and noticeably impair a person’s life and happiness.
What to Do if You Suspect Trauma or PTSD in Your Loved One
If your son, daughter, sibling, friend, or student has experienced a traumatic event, it’s important to be aware of the signs and risks of PTSD. Generally speaking, PTSD is diagnosed when a person is re-experiencing the event, avoiding certain aspects of their lives, hyper-aroused or reactive following the event, and displaying noticeable changes in their cognition or mood.
The above symptoms will give you a good gauge of whether you should be concerned. However, if you’re unsure or worried, do not hesitate to contact a mental health professional. Untreated PTSD, especially at a young age, can cause devastating effects long-term. For example, PTSD is associated with high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts when left untreated in adolescents or young adults.
Fortunately, PTSD is treatable and manageable with the right support. Treatment for PTSD in teenagers and children typically involves psychotherapy (called “talk therapy”), on a regular and ongoing basis. Treatment can be bolstered by a strong support system and trusted family members staying present in the person’s life.
Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider, specializing in teen and young adult experiences. We offer a trauma-informed treatment approach to ensure that all our clients feel safe, supported, and comfortable. If you are seeking advice for your loved one, know we’re one call away at 877-581-1793.