Chapter 22: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children

Question 1

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Answer 1

an anxiety disorder

-occurs in response to a real or perceived trauma or threat to one’s life or safety

Question 2

Who is Vulnerable to PTSD

Answer 2

children of all ages may be involved in traumatic situations r/t human (e.g. abuse, violence, war, etc.) or environmental (e.g. natural disasters, car accidents, etc.) causes
-some may exhibit little or no negative immediate or long-term consequences of the trauma, or are easily comforted and can move on, others are vulnerable to PTSD

Question 3

Signs + Symptoms

Answer 3

• re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, or physical sensations
• avoiding reminders of anything or any place that triggers memories
• physiological symptoms of anxious arousal (e.g. insomnia, startle response, or sense of panic)

Question 4

Diagnosis

Answer 4

based on the exhibited symptoms within the set of reactions

Question 5

Prevention

Answer 5

preventing traumatic experiences from causing emotional and physical damage is an important aspect

• promoting resilience in at-risk families and children (prior to traumatic events)
• promoting resilience in general (teaching safety measures for potential risk factors (e.g. environmental disasters, “stranger danger”, etc.))
• early research on pharmacological measures to prevent PTSD
• creating and implementing programs that ensure safety

Question 6

Nursing Care

Answer 6

• educate about symptoms
• make referrals to appropriate services
• pharmacological treatment (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs))
• cognitive behavior therapy

Question 7

Education/ Discharge

Answer 7

teach families about psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy together may be most helpful