How trauma may affect your child

JOBURG – Psychologist warns parents on how children may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

July 29, 2016

Naledi Mokoena 1 minute read

Children exist in a society where they are exposed to various harsh realities that may affect them. These events can traumatise children which can have a damaging effect on their psychological well-being.

There are various ways to protect your child experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and ways to identify it.

Experts have identified PTSD occurs when a child is unable to process the effects of trauma due to a certain experience, which interferes with their daily life and academic performance.

Psychiatrist, Dr Eileen Thomas who works with Akeso Psychiatric Clinics said that traumas with the highest risk for psychopathology are severe, unpredictable and uncontrollable.

“PTSD risk is also increased by the cumulative effect of multiple, severe and uncontrollable traumas,” said Dr Thomas.

According to Dr Thomas, a child with PTSD displays the following characteristics:

Re-experiencing the trauma by talking about it, scary but vague dreams and a psychological response to triggers

Avoidance of feelings, thoughts, activities, people and places associated with trauma. They can also experience a feeling of detachment, loss of interest in food, certain activities, struggles to feel emotions or recall important details of the event, excessive guilt, depression and anxiety

Heightened responses such as anger outbursts, being disorganised or agitated, risky behaviours, concentration problems, insomnia and always being on high alert.

Dr Thomas added that over the past decade she has seen great results achieved with both psychological and medical treatment.

“Research findings are still unsettled on which approach is best but most international guidelines advocate use of either or both”, said Dr Thomas. She points out that treatment strategies should always be tailored to the individual.

Where to find help: