Child PTSD Lecture Flashcards
Variables of the Brain in Traumatized children
-Smaller intracranial cerebral volumes
-Smaller hippocampal volumes
-Long term cortisol response to stress
-PTSD may alter the anterior cingulate neuronal metabolism
Reminders about the brain (PTSD)
The brain is a pattern-seeking device, in that it will actively seek out what is familiar, even if it’s unhealthy
-Trauma negatively impacts all areas of brain development and functioning
-Healthy attachment is, therefore, critical to healthy brain development
Brain Differences (PTSD)
Studies show that dysfunction of the right frontal lobe is involved in PTSD symptomology and dissociative flashbacks
-Current neuropsychiatric research indicates that the paralimbic areas of the right hemisphere are involved in the storage of traumatic memories.
Brain differences part 2 (PTSD): Right Brain
-Right brain impairments associated with severe anxiety disorders are expressed in childhood
-Adults who were severely abused in childhood and diagnosed with PTSD show reduced right hemisphere activiation
Maltreated Brain (PTSD)
-20% less working memory
-8 point loss in VIQ and 10 point loss in PIQ
-Smaller right temporal, right frontal, and bilateral parietal lobes
Culture of Violence (PTSD)
-417 school shootings since Columbine
-More likely to get kicked out of kindergarten, than high school.
Maltreatment Facts
-600,00+ children are abused in the U.S. each year
-Child welfare is responsible for 7 million + kids
-Girls had a higher victimization rate when compared to boys
-1,820 children died from abuse
-Neglect is the most common form of abuse
Abuse and Neglect Defined by Law (PTSD)
-Federal legislation provides a foundation for States.
-Defined as a recent act or failure to act the part of a parent, which results in harm including death
4 major types of abuse/neglect
1) Neglect
2) Physical Abuse
3) Sexual Abuse
4) Emotional Abuse
