Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Post traumatic stress disorder is also called PTSD. Your child may have this condition after having or facing a hurtful event that brings him pain or sorrow. The stressful event may make your child think he or someone close to him will get hurt or die. Your child may continue to feel helpless after the event. These experiences are often repeated or re-lived, affecting his daily activities, school, and relationships.
  
  
• PTSD affects children of all ages. Medicine and counseling are used to treat PTSD. Without treatment, PTSD can lead to teenage and adult emotional problems. Your child may need to go into the hospital if he thinks of hurting himself or others.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

What I can do to help my child?

• Help your child cope with traumatic events. Talk openly about what happened and listen to your child's worries. Assure your child that all family members are safe.
  
  
• Teach people who are close to your child about PTSD, including his teacher. Work together to help your child.

Wellness hints:

• Your child may need more rest than he realizes as he heals. Quiet play will keep your child safely busy so he does not become restless and risk hurting himself. Have your child read or draw quietly when he is awake. Follow instructions for how much rest your child should get while he heals.
  
  
• Your child should eat healthy foods from all of the five food groups, which include fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat, and fish. Eating healthy foods may help him feel better and have more energy.
  
  
• Exercising and playing will help your child feel better. Walking is a good exercise for you to do with your child.
  
  
• Your child should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Comfort your child if he has trouble going to sleep or has nightmares while sleeping.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You and your child cannot make it to the next meeting with the caregiver.
  
  
• Your child is not sleeping well or is sleeping too much.
  
  
• You feel you cannot help your child at home.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition, medicine, or treatment.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child is hurting himself or others.
  
  
• You feel like hurting your child.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In Children (Aftercare Instructions)