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Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
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Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a series of symptoms that happen after a distressing event. A child may have anxiety, anger, and bad dreams. But PTSD can be treated. Working with a counselor and other health care providers will help your child. Recovery may take time. But your child can feel better.
Who is at risk for PTSD?
PTSD may follow a severe trauma. It may be something the child experiences. Or it may be an event the child sees or hears about. Even violent movies or TV shows can cause trauma.
A child is at risk for PTSD after any of these:
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A rape or sexual assault
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A car accident or plane crash
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Physical and/or mental abuse
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Being a victim or witness of violence, such as riots or wars
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Natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods
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The sudden death or hospitalization of a parent or other loved one
Symptoms of PTSD in children
Symptoms of PTSD often appear a few weeks after the trauma. But sometimes they may occur months or years later. A child with PTSD may have:
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Bad dreams about the event.
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Vivid memories of the event that seem real (flashbacks).
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A fear of people or places connected with the event.
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Reactions to things that remind them of the event the event (trauma cues) such as sights, sounds, people, smells, and places.
And they may:
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Seem withdrawn and unfeeling.
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Be nervous.
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Have angry outbursts.
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Have trouble sleeping or focusing.
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Have headaches or other health problems.
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Reenact the event over and over in play.
Treating PTSD
PTSD in a child can be treated with:
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Trauma-focused psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy).
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Other types of one-on-one or group talk therapy.
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Medicines to manage anxiety, aggression, sleep disruption (insomnia, nightmares, frequent awakening), and depression.
It’s also important for a child to be with other children. It can make them feel less alone and help them work through their pain.
What you can do
You can play a large part in your child’s healing process. You can:
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Accept your child's emotions. Remind them of your love and support.
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Encourage them to share their feelings with you or a trusted doctor.
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Schedule ongoing mental health care for them.
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Ask school staff for support if PTSD causes problems with schoolwork or friendships.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Michelle Anderson DNP
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.