The purpose is for you to define how trauma affects children and adolescents differently than adults. Our discussion will include identifying risk factors for the development of psychiatric symptoms following trauma in this population. You will also critically evaluate how psychological needs and treatments for trauma-related psychiatric symptoms differ between children/adolescents and adults.
For your answer, please address the following:
1). What are the psychological needs of children/adolescents following exposure to trauma and how do they differ from adults? (Are there specific differences depending on the age group for children/adolescents?). Here, include a discussion of how coping with trauma is different for children/adolescents relative to adults.
2). What primary risk factors increase prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children/adolescents following trauma?
3). How do treatments for trauma-related psychiatric disorders (including PTSD) differ between children/adolescents and adults?
References for this discussion:
Children and Trauma: Update for Mental Health Professionals
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents
Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents
