What You Should Know About PTSD in Teenagers
Intense and turbulent times may characterize the adolescent years. However, although it is usual for teenagers to feel depressed or easily agitated, they may also develop mental health problems that are significant and need professional intervention.
Your kid may have observed or experienced a horrible incident, and you may be concerned that they have acquired post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, heightened agitation, emotional numbness, and difficulty focusing in school may also be present in this situation. 1
Manage PTSD in a teenager may be very challenging for everyone involved, but just expressing worry is a great and optimistic beginning in the right direction for everyone involved. Examine post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in teens, including the signs and symptoms of the disorder, the causes of it, and treatment possibilities.
Caution Signs and Symptoms
You are concerned about your adolescent’s stress and need assistance.
What Is the Frequency of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Teens?
Anyone who has been exposed to trauma, such as witnessing violence, natural disasters, automobile accidents, or shootings, or who has been the victim of sexual or physical abuse, may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Psychological traumas such as losing family members, divorce, and abandonment may also result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
It is unfortunate that adolescents and teens are not immune to stressful experiences and might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the consequence of such an event. As many as 5 percent of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 are said to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The likelihood of experiencing it is higher among females than males, though. Females are more likely than males to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 2 The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among adolescents, according to some experts, is actually somewhat greater than in the general adult population.
There is a big problem with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among youngsters. While it is true that symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be especially severe in the months after a traumatic incident and then subside, teenagers who do not get treatment may continue to suffer these symptoms for years.
Unexamined and untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have serious repercussions such as persistent sleep problems and depression, as well as drug misuse and difficulties functioning in everyday life.
PTSD in teens has also been linked to increased suicide thoughts, according to some research.
To get support and guidance from a skilled counselor if you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (toll free). For emergency assistance, dial 911 for you or a loved one.
Check out our National Helpline Database for additional mental health options.
Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms and Diagnosis
There is no one way that PTSD affects people. In some cases, the signs and symptoms may be more evident; in other others, teenagers will be experiencing the symptoms more inwardly, making it more difficult for an outsider to recognize the signs and symptoms.
In adolescents and teens, some of the most prevalent symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are as follows:
Remembering the terrible event in your mind
Constantly recalling or re-experiencing the incident or situation
nightmares have become more frequent and intense
Insomnia
You are feeling “numb” and down in the dumps.
Things that remind them of the traumatic occurrence might easily set them off.
Anxiety and impatience have increased.
Easily shocked and frightened.
withdrawing from friends and activities that used to be enjoyable for them
Having difficulties in school, including problems focusing and finishing work; not wanting to discuss the painful incident
want to stay away from anything or anybody related with the traumatic experience
What Is the Difference Between PTSD Symptoms in Teens and Adults?
In comparison to younger children, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in teenagers are more similar to those of adults.
However, youths who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely than adults to engage in “traumatic reenactment” (the act of incorporating features of their trauma experience into their daily life). Teens are also more likely to engage in aggressive conduct and to act on impulse more often than other age group members. Family Members Dealing with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Causes
Trauma-induced stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents is similar to that seen in adults. When a kid experiences violence or a natural catastrophe, for example, the trauma may be immediately apparent to parents. In contrast, some types of trauma may be difficult to identify and may even go undetected by parents, such as when a teen has been sexually assaulted or is in an emotionally abusive relationship with another adolescent.
A few of the most prevalent causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adolescents are as follows:
Any violent occurrence or crime that you are a witness to
having seen or been a victim of domestic and/or communal violence
Being a victim of violence or sexual assault is a horrible experience.
After becoming a victim of a school shooting
Naturcal calamities, such as tornadoes and earthquakes as well as forest fires and floods
Various types of accidents, such as vehicle accidents and airline crashes, occur every day.
Grieving the loss of a loved one
Seeing a loved one face a life-threatening illness
traumatic experiences throughout childhood, such as parental desertion or divorce
Abuse (sexual, physical, emotional/mental) is something that everyone experiences at some point.
Children who have experienced trauma throughout childhood or adolescence account for a considerable proportion of the population. Between the ages of 6 and 16, almost two-thirds of children will have experienced at least one trauma. 6 PTSD is more likely to develop in children as they get older because they are more likely to be exposed to several stressful events at a young age. 2
In addition to the intensity with which they were exposed to the traumatic event, the number of traumas they have already experienced in their lives, any pre-existing mental health conditions they may have, and the amount of support they receive as they process their trauma, there are other factors that influence the likelihood that a teen will develop PTSD.
When it comes to PTSD diagnosis and treatment, the first three months are critical for sexual assault survivors.
Teens who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have reason to be hopeful. Proper therapy may assist them in processing their trauma, learning to deal with it, and emerging from the experience with more resiliency than they would have otherwise.
Obtaining a diagnosis for your adolescent is the first step if you feel he or she has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Visiting your child’s physician, who may be able to recommend you to a therapist or psychiatrist, is one way to accomplish this. It is probable that counseling will be advised if it is determined that your adolescent is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents includes the following:
Counseling in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) In order to do so, you must first assist your kid understand their cognitive patterns and emotional/physical responses to the trauma, and then provide them with coping strategies.
Desensitization and reprocessing of eye movement patterns (EMDR). Trauma may be processed via the use of precise eye movements in conjunction with cognitive therapy.
Medication, in addition to treatment, may be beneficial for certain adolescents. Anxiety and anti-depressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young people. 3
It’s crucial to remember that kids may have difficulty expressing their feelings, as well as the traumatic incident or experience that produced their presenting symptoms. Making sure your kid feels at ease with the mental health expert they are seeing is crucial.
Some providers’ personalities will not mesh well with your teen’s, so you may need to try a few different ones before you find one that does.
The fact that you are a parent or caregiver of a teenager who is exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is understandable. You are likely to be frightened and disturbed about what you are seeing, and you will want to do all you can to assist your child in feeling better.
The good news is that parents and caregivers may play a significant part in their adolescent’s rehabilitation. It is possible for you to assist your child in obtaining the treatment that they want, and research has shown that kids who have parental support are more likely to fair better when confronted with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Unfortunately, although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents is a significant problem that must be addressed, there are effective treatments available, and kids who suffer from PTSD may go on to have full and happy lives.
PTSD From Sexual Assault
Unwanted, coercive, or even forced sexual contact or action is referred to as “sexual assault” and encompasses a wide variety of activities. Rape, attempted rape, and any other type of unwelcome sexual contact are all considered forms of sexual assault under the law.
When it comes to sexual assault, the United States has an alarmingly high rate of it. One in every three women and one in every four men may encounter sexual assault, including unwelcome physical contact, at some time in their life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1 Surviving childhood sexual assault also increases the probability of being victimized again in adulthood for those who have been abused as children.
In most cases, a person who has been sexually assaulted will feel severe emotional anguish shortly after the incident in question. As a result of your experience with an attack, you may experience feelings of fear, anger, guilt, anxiety, and depression. Some people may be embarrassed or ashamed of themselves as a result of the stigma attached to sexual violence.
Furthermore, survivors of sexual assault are more likely than the general population to have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),2 such as nightmares and intrusive thoughts. The person may believe that they are always in danger or that they must always be vigilant. They may also be suspicious of others and mistrust them.
When It Comes to Sexual Assault, the First Three Months Are Crucial
Why Do People Suffer From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may manifest themselves after a traumatic experience, such as sexual assault, and can be debilitating.
People who have suffered sexual assault are more likely than the general population to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to one research, around 70% of survivors of sexual assault suffer from high levels of trauma, with 45% expressing symptoms of PTSD.
Painful stress disorder symptoms include reliving the traumatic incident, avoiding reminders of the trauma, being startled easily, and having negative ideas and attitudes about oneself or the world.
A mental health problem such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is one that can be identified and treated. Seeking medical attention for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms is critical.
Aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that manifest themselves What to Do After Being a Victim of Sexual Assault
Survivors of sexual assault may have severe and long-lasting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including the following symptoms:
Aches and pains throughout the body.
Fatigue \Flashbacks
Headaches
Insomnia
Nightmares
They may have had the following kinds of experiences.
As an example, avoiding thoughts or emotions about the traumatic incident (emotional avoidance); keeping away from reminders of the trauma such as people, places and items; and opposing talks about what occurred are all examples of avoidance behavior.
Intrusive symptoms such as frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and unwelcome recollections of the incident are common.
Arousal symptoms such as difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, being easily startled or afraid, difficulty focusing, and hypervigilance to one’s surroundings and possible threats to one’s safety are all signs of increased arousal.
Changes in thoughts and feelings, such as persistent, distorted beliefs about yourself or others; recurrent feelings of fear, horror, anger, guilt, shame, or hopelessness; loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities; feeling detached from others or struggling to maintain close relationships; and difficulty experiencing positive emotions such as joy or satisfaction.
Conditions in addition to the ones listed above Associated with PTSD and sexual assault
Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often connected with other mental health issues, and it is not the only mental health disease that may develop after being subjected to a sexual assault. The following problems might arise in survivors:
Eating disorders are a kind of eating disorder in which a person consumes excessive amounts of calories.
Anxiety disorder with a generalized component (GAD)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Disorder of compulsive overeating (OCD) (OCD)
Behavioral abnormalities resulting from substance abuse
Individuals who have been sexually assaulted at a younger age may be at increased risk for developing these linked illnesses.
Aspects of sexual assault that are not immediately apparent
A sexual assault may have a negative impact on your physical, sexual, and behavioral health for months, if not years, after the incident has occurred.
Fitness and Well-Being
Many chronic medical illnesses, including those associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be triggered by a sexual assault. It has been shown that women who have been raped are more prone to suffer from the following symptoms:
Arthritis
Pelvic discomfort that is chronic6
Constipation, diarrhea, and constipation
Premenstrual symptoms that are very intense.
Séizures that are not epileptic
Individuals who have been the victims of rape or attempted rape are at a higher risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which may result in significant physical and mental health issues.
Physical Health Issues and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Medical Care for Sexual Wellness
If you have experienced sexual trauma, it may be difficult to enjoy sexual interaction. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, you may have decreased sexual desire as well as diminished sexual activity. When it comes to sexual interaction, some survivors report discomfort, fear, or worry. Because of the trauma they have experienced, they may have feelings of shame and guilt that may interfere with their desire for and enjoyment from sex.
Surviving children who have been victimized by sexual assault are more likely to suffer from significant sexual issues as an adult. When a person is penetrated during a sexual assault, the likelihood of developing future sexual issues rises significantly. 7
The Treatment of Mood Disorders
After being sexually assaulted, no one has a single behavioral response. As an example, although some survivors refrain from having sex after being assaulted, others participate in dangerous sexual behaviors such as not employing protective measures or having a higher number of sexual partners. 8 When confronted with the very unpleasant emotions that follow an attack, survivors may resort to harmful habits such as drug abuse or self-harm in an attempt to deal with the overwhelming feelings of helplessness.
Surviving sexual assault survivors may take tremendous precautions to avoid circumstances that they perceive to be potentially harmful, and they may avoid watching television programs, reading newspaper articles, or engaging in discussions that address the topic. It is possible for some persons to have a reduction in these sentiments over time. Those who are suffering from psychological anguish, on the other hand, may continue to do so for many months or even years.
Treatment Options for Sexual Assault Survivors: How to Reduce Avoidance in PTSD
Many survivors of sexual assault will see a reduction in their symptoms over time. Some people, however, may have symptoms that last longer and may worsen over the course of time. It is fortunate that there are therapies available that have been shown to be effective..
Psychotherapy
When it comes to treating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after sexual assault, psychotherapy has been shown to be successful. Even though there are a multitude of psychotherapy treatments available, cognitive processing therapy and extended exposure therapy are two that have received increasing amounts of research-based evidence for their effectiveness:
Using cognitive processing therapy (CPT), individuals may address painful memories and ideas connected with a sexual assault and learn to cope more effectively. Your therapist will also assist you in identifying and correcting any maladaptive, unrealistic, or problematic thinking that are contributing to your PTSD symptoms during CPT.
When individuals participate in or avoid learned behaviors in reaction to settings or thoughts and memories related with the sexual assault, prolonged exposure treatment (PET) is used to help them overcome these tendencies. The aim is that through addressing dreaded feelings, ideas, and events, you will come to understand that worry and fear will naturally subside on their own own.
This kind of therapy may be obtained from a therapist in your region.
Groups of People to Help
Being a member of either an online or in-person support group gives you the chance to interact with other survivors of sexual assault and get insight into how to deal with the issues that come with that trauma.
Groups of individuals who have a similar experience give a fantastic chance to build helpful, trustworthy, and healthy connections with one another. It is typically best to begin your search for a local support group by consulting with your primary care physician or mental health provider.
Aside from providing counseling and information to survivors, their friends and family, as well as activists and educators, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center also provides training and resources.
Self-Help
You can make certain lifestyle adjustments and use coping skills on your own in addition to seeing a therapist and/or attending a support group to help relax your body and mind while also managing your symptoms, such as the following:
Time with loved ones who are encouraging is beneficial. Make time for a morning stroll, a cup of coffee, or a phone call.
Relaxation techniques should be practiced regularly. Make time for spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscular relaxation.
Take a morning stroll to clear your head and recharge your batteries. The act of taking time to appreciate the outdoors, breathe in some fresh air, and exercise your body may aid in the regulation of your mood and feelings.
Keep a diary to record your thoughts and observations. A diary may provide a continuous space for you to express yourself and analyze your thoughts and emotions.
Understanding and Dealing With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Doing so on your own will not help you recover from sexual assault and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When you are learning to handle the physical, emotional, and behavioral impacts of surviving a sexual assault, there are skilled specialists who can assist and support you. Please keep in mind that what occurred was not your fault, and you had no role in causing it. Please seek and accept assistance so that you may recover and go on with your life.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, you may call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to obtain confidential counseling from a trained staff member at a local RAINN affiliate location.
Check out our National Helpline Database for additional mental health options.
