In children, PTSD looks a bit different. Have you ever seen the movie or read The Client by John Grisham? Ricky, the main character's little brother, is a very good example of what can happen to a child who has witnessed a traumatic event. In this story, he was hiding in the bushes when he heard a gunshot come from a car and thought that his brother had been killed. His brother was fine, but Ricky didn't know that and was so traumatized that he was 'frozen'; he could not speak or move, and would scream bloody murder anytime someone came near him. This is *one* way PTSD looks in children. Another way is bedwetting or forgetting toilet training, behavioral problems or being particularly 'clingy' with a parent or other adult. They might not call it PTSD, but adoption agencies-public or private-warn of these problems when it comes to adopting older children. The state agencies may help pay for the treatment, but it's hard to say exactly what the child will need because every child-and every trauma-is different.
Speaking of treatment, sufferers of PTSD have a variety of options. Psychotherapy-"talk therapy"-in its many forms has proven very helpful in helping a person adjust. One such technique is called "exposure therapy". Basically, the counselor finds out what a person's particular triggers are and gradually reintroduces them into their daily lives. The same technique is employed for patients with bipolar disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and has been very effective.
Cognitive restructuring therapy is also helpful because it teaches the person to see what happened in a more realistic light. Sometimes we remember things differently from the way they actually happened, or focus more on some parts than others. It's not uncommon for someone to feel guilt over having survived something while others didn't or not having done more to prevent whatever it was from happening. In a lot of cases, though, there was really nothing that couldhave been done because the situation was completely beyond the patient's control. By helping them see the event-and their reactions-in a more straightforward way, this therapy can go a long way in relieving unfounded feelings of guilt. Support groups are also very helpful because hearing the words, “It wasn't your fault” or similar from people who have “been there” can help drive the point home.
Sometimes doctors will prescribe antidepressants to help alleviate overwhelming feelings of sadness that can get in the way of working through things effectively.
For more information about PTSD from a professional perspective, visit
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml.
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