Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Learn the Physical, Mental, and Emotional Changes that Occur with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Dating Tips and Advice

Q: Dear April Masini,

My six-year-old child was involved in an extremely scary incident last month involving a break-in at our house. Ever since that night, he has been much quieter than normal and just not acting like his normal self. Friends and family are telling me he seems to be exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Do you think this is something he just needs time to get over? Or should I take him to a doctor?

Sincerely,

Worried Mom

A:

Dear Worried Mom, 

Individuals –- children, teens, and adults — may experience and exhibit a wide range of post-traumatic stress disorder reactions after a crisis or disaster. These changes are not unusual for anyone who has gone through or been affected by a crisis or traumatic event. Your child was probably very scared by the incident and needs some time to get over it.

However, if symptoms persist after three months or if the symptoms are delayed and appear three to six months after the crisis event, your child may benefit from additional counseling and support.

Signs To Watch For:

Physical Changes

· Easily startled
· Increase anxiety
· Heart rate increases
· Sleep patterns interrupted
· Change in eating

Mental Changes

· Difficulty with memory
· Decreased computational skills
· Decreased ability to analyze
· Slower learning speed
· Impaired decision-making skills
· Decreased self-awareness

Emotional Changes

· Feelings of isolation
· Developmental regression
· Depression
· Denial
· Anger
· Lack of enthusiasm from activities that were previously enjoyed
· Return to past hurts and trauma
· Bitterness
· Decreased intimacy
· Lack of trust
· Guilt
· Fear of recurrence

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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