When we think of the effects of trauma (including PTSD), we primarily focus our attention on adults. However, children can be exposed to a number of stressful or traumatic events that may lead to a diagnosis of PTSD or some other disorder, such as major depression. This article presents an overview of information on the effects of stress and traumatic exposure on the mental health of children.
Although traumatic exposure and PTSD are more commonly studied among adults, both are also common in childhood. Learn about rates of traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms in children, as well as risk factors for the development of PTSD symptoms in children.
The effect of Hurricane Katrina has been great. In addition to the extensive physical damage caused by the hurricane, it also greatly affected the mental health of many people, including children. Learn more about the psychological impact of Hurricane Katrina on children.
Children of people with PTSD may be at greater risk for developing PTSD themselves. Learn about one study that identified vulnerability for PTSD among children of Holocaust survivors.
Many soldiers are returning from the Iraq War showing signs of PTSD and other difficulties. However, what effect is the Iraq War having on the children of soldiers deployed in Iraq? Read about one study that examined the impact the war has had on the children of Iraq War soldiers.
As a result of the extensive media coverage of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many children were exposed to tragic deaths of approximately 3,000 people -- putting them at risk for PTSD. Read about a recent study that looked at the relationship between media exposure and PTSD among children.
Learn about how an interpersonal trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse, can negatively impact an expectant mother's attachment to her unborn child.
Childhood cancer and its treatment may have long-lasting effects on the mental health of the child and his or her parents. Childhood cancer survivors and their parents have been found to exhibit heightened rates of PTSD. Learn about childhood cancer and PTSD, as well as how to cope with the illness.
