PTSD and cPTSD in foster children – a review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Individuals particularly vulnerable to the development of mental disorders are alumni of foster care. A high prevalence of traumatic experiences is observed in the latter group. Exposure to multiple traumas increases the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). The translation of the term “post-traumatic stress disorder” into Polish depends on the diagnostic classification applied. Aim: The aim of the review is to present the rates of PTSD and cPTSD in the population of children and adolescents in foster care and adult alumni of foster care. Method: The search for scientific literature in Polish and English was conducted in the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus. Additionally, the review took into account results of search carried out using Google Scholar. Finally, 24 research reports published between January 2000 and February 2024 were identified using the terms: “PTSD”, “cPTSD” and “foster care”. Results: The prevalence of PTSD in children ranged from 5.6% to 55%, whereas cPTSD was estimated between 8.2% and 10.7%. PTSD rates in adult alumni of foster care ranged from 2% to 35.6%. Children in foster care who had experienced ≥2 traumatic events were more likely to meet criteria for PTSD and cPTSD than those who had been exposed to a single trauma. The severity of traumatic experiences is a factor that increases the likelihood of developing PTSD.