PTSD in children

PTSD and C-PTSD in children and young adults

Any trauma can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – and it can affect anyone, of any age. Someone may develop PTSD when they perceive an event or experience as either life-threatening, extremely dangerous or one which creates feelings of fear, horror or helplessness. 

It’s important to recognise however that children and adults will experience PTSD differently. Adults are typically better able to verbalise how they are feeling and what they are experiencing, whereas young children will struggle to vocalise these emotions, and so it’s vital that any parents, caregivers, teachers and anyone who comes into contact with children can understand more about the condition – what can cause it, what symptoms and reactions to look out for, and what treatments are available. 

Please click on any of the blocks below to find out more about what PTSD in children is, what causes PTSD in children and young adults, symptoms to look out for, treatments for PTSD in children, resources for teachers, more about complex PTSD in children, how you can help your child with PTSD, and support if you’re a young adult and have PTSD or C-PTSD

Understanding PTSD in children

Find out more about what PTSD is, and how it can affect children and young adults.

Causes of PTSD in children

Find out more about what causes PTSD and C-PTSD in children and young adults.

Symptoms of PTSD in children

Find out more about the symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD in children and young adults.

Treatments for children with PTSD

Find out more about the treatments available for PTSD and C-PTSD in children and young adults.

PTSD Resources for teachers

Find out more about how you can help a child or young adult with PTSD or C-PTSD in your class.

Complex PTSD in children

Find out more about Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) in children and young adults.

I'm under 18 and have PTSD

We're here to help - click this link to find out more about what PTSD is, how it might make you feel, and what can be done to help.

How can I help my child with PTSD?

Find out more about how you can help a child or young adult with PTSD or C-PTSD.