TBI / PTSD

ABOUT THE SPECIAL NEED:

 

THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN/PEOPLE AFFECTED:
Studies show that about 15% to 43% of girls and 14% to 43% of boys go through at least one trauma. Of those children and teens who have had a trauma, 3% to 15% of girls and 1% to 6% of boys develop PTSD. Rates of PTSD are higher for certain types of trauma survivors
Child protection services in the U.S. get around three million reports each year. This involves 5.5 million children. Of the reported cases, there is proof of abuse in about 30%. From these cases, we have an idea of how often different types of abuse occur:

• 65% neglect

• 18% physical abuse

• 10% sexual abuse

• 7% psychological (mental) abuse

 

PROGNOSIS:

Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. Three main types of symptoms characterize the disorder:

• Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing recollections of the event, flashbacks, and nightmares.

• Avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of the trauma and emotional numbness.

• Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy, and being easily irritated and angered.

Diagnosis criteria that apply specifically to children younger than age six include the following:

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violation:

• Direct experience – Divorce, Arguments, Child or loved one – Physical including sexual abuse, and Mental Abuse, Death family, friends, pets, moves

• Bullying, Accidents, Separation from friends and loved ones.

• Two or more of the following: irritable, angry, or aggressive behavior, including extreme temper tantrums

  • hypervigilance

  • exaggerated startle response

  • problems with concentration

  • difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep