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Pediatric Drugs
Published in: Pediatric Drugs 3/2002

01-03-2002 | Therapy In Practice

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Authors: Dr Craig L. Donnelly, Lisa Amaya-Jackson

Published in: Pediatric Drugs | Issue 3/2002

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Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric condition in childhood and adolescence. Rates vary widely depending upon the type of trauma exposure. Interpersonal traumas, such as rape or physical abuse, are more likely to result in PTSD than exposure to natural or technological disaster.
Clinical presentations are exceedingly complex and children with PTSD are at increased risk of having comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. Because of its complexity and frequent occurrence with other disorders, assessment of PTSD necessitates a broad-based evaluation utilizing multiple informations and structured instruments specific to the symptoms of PTSD in youth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the treatment of first choice.
Pharmacological agents for PTSD treatment have received little empirical investigation in childhood. Pharmacological treatment is used to target disabling symptoms of the disorder, which limit psychotherapy or life functioning, by helping children to tolerate working through distressful material in therapy and life. Pharmacological treatment should be based on a stepwise approach utilizing broad spectrum medications such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as first-line agents. Comorbid conditions should be identified and treated with appropriate medication or psychosocial interventions.
Treatment algorithms are provided to guide rational medication strategies for children and adolescents with PTSD, subsyndromal PTSD, and in PTSD that is comorbid with other psychiatric conditions of childhood. Reduction in even one debilitating symptom of PTSD can improve a child’s overall functioning across multiple domains.
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Metadata
Title
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Authors
Dr Craig L. Donnelly
Lisa Amaya-Jackson
Publication date
01-03-2002
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Pediatric Drugs / Issue 3/2002
Print ISSN: 1174-5878
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2019
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00128072-200204030-00003

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