Post-Traumatic Stress Reactions in Children

Abstract

An audit of 55 children referred for medico-legal assessment following accidents is outlined. The children's reaction to the traumatic event is described. The variation of symptom-range, intensity and duration is suggestive of a spectrum of stress reactions to traumatic events in which post-traumatic stress disorder is at the extreme end. A number of symptoms not included in the DSM-III-R criteria for PTSD were identified. PTSD was established clinically only in the older age group. Parental responses to their child's difficulties are described. The need for research into developmental changes in children's reaction to trauma is highlighted.