What Happens if PTSD is Left Untreated in a Child?
Childhood is meant to be a time of joy, discovery, and growth. However, some children face challenges that leave lasting scars and imprints on their minds, and hearts. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is a challenge that, left untreated, can have a long last effect on a child’s well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the signs of PTSD in kids, the long-term consequences of untreated PTSD, and the importance of therapy in healing childhood trauma.
Photo by Gregory Pappas on Unsplash downloaded 7/10/24
What are signs of PTSD in kids?
Nightmares and Sleep Disturbances: Children experiencing PTSD may have frequent nightmares or night terrors related to the traumatic event. Persistent sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, can be indicative of underlying emotional distress.
Regression and Reenactment: Regression to earlier developmental stages, such as bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or speaking in baby talk, may occur. Additionally, children might reenact elements of the trauma through play, offering a glimpse into their internal struggles.
Avoidance of Triggers: Fearful reminders of the traumatic event can lead to avoidance behaviors. Children may steer clear of specific places, activities, or even conversations that remind them of the trauma.
Changes in Mood and Behavior: Drastic shifts in mood, such as irritability, anger outbursts, or withdrawal, may signal the emotional toll of untreated PTSD. Additionally, a child might exhibit behavioral changes, becoming more clingy, oppositional, or exhibiting excessive worry.
Difficulty Concentrating: PTSD can interfere with a child's ability to concentrate and focus on tasks, leading to academic challenges. Parents may notice a decline in school performance or a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed.
Physical Symptoms: Emotional distress can manifest physically. Complaints of headaches, stomachaches, and other unexplained physical symptoms might be an indication of underlying psychological struggles.
Fear and Anxiety: Children with untreated PTSD may experience persistent fears and anxieties, not necessarily related to the initial trauma but reflective of an overall heightened sense of vulnerability.
Changes in Attachment Patterns: A child may exhibit alterations in attachment patterns, becoming either excessively clingy or distancing themselves emotionally. These changes can reflect attempts to cope with unresolved trauma.
It's essential for parents and caregivers to approach these signs with sensitivity and openness. If any of these behaviors persist or escalate, seeking professional help from a qualified mental health provider is crucial for early intervention and support.
What are the long-term effects of PTSD in children?
When PTSD goes untreated in children, the long-term effects can be extensive and impact different parts of their lives:
Academic Challenges
The repercussions of untreated PTSD often extend into a child's academic life. Persistent anxiety and intrusive thoughts can disrupt a child's ability to concentrate in the classroom, resulting in challenges with learning and retaining information.
Social and Relationship Difficulties
Children with untreated PTSD may struggle with trust issues, making it challenging to form and maintain healthy relationships. The fear of being vulnerable, and sharing can lead to emotional barriers, making it difficult for them to connect with peers, teachers, and family members on a deeper level. With this, there may be a combination of trust issues, and issues expressing emotions which can isolate a child. Children with PTSD may avoid social activities, and prefer to be alone to avoid potential triggers that remind them of the trauma.
The emotional toll of untreated PTSD can stop a child’s ability to express, and share openly, and can also impact forming and maintaining friendships. Untreated PTSD may lead to difficulties in relating to peers, sharing experiences, and understanding social cues, which can stop the development of positive and lasting friendships.
Physical Health Complications
Children with PTSD may develop or show signs of physical health issues such as headaches and stomachaches. The stress associated with untreated PTSD can manifest physically, leading to persistent headaches and stomachaches. These physical symptoms can become chronic, further exacerbating the overall distress experienced by the child. They may also have a weakened immune function. The immune system can be compromised by the chronic stress resulting from untreated PTSD. This weakened immune function may make the child more susceptible to illnesses, leading to frequent illnesses and prolonged recovery periods. Over time, the physical toll of untreated PTSD can contribute to long-term health consequences. Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, autoimmune disorders, and other serious health conditions, underscoring the importance of addressing the emotional well-being of the child.
What happens when PTSD goes untreated in children?
The consequences of leaving PTSD untreated in children can extend far beyond their formative years:
Persistent Emotional Distress: Children with untreated PTSD may carry emotional burdens into adulthood, impacting their mental health and overall well-being.
Interference with Future Relationships: Unresolved trauma can affect a child's ability to form healthy connections, potentially leading to difficulties in friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics.
Impact on Parenting: Adults who experienced untreated PTSD in childhood may find it challenging to navigate parenthood, potentially perpetuating cycles of trauma through generations.
What therapy is needed for childhood trauma?
Recognizing the importance of addressing childhood trauma, therapy plays a pivotal role in providing healing and support:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This evidence-based therapy helps children process thoughts and feelings related to the trauma. It includes components for both the child and their parents or caregivers.
Play Therapy: Especially effective for younger children, play therapy allows them to express themselves through play, helping the therapist understand and address their experiences.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, fostering healing and reducing distress.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): This therapy involves working with both the child and their caregiver to improve communication, build a secure attachment, and address behavioral issues stemming from trauma.
Untreated PTSD in children can cast a long shadow over their lives, impacting their emotional well-being, relationships, and overall development. Recognizing the signs, understanding the potential long-term effects, and seeking appropriate therapy are crucial steps in breaking the cycle of untreated trauma. Aspire Counseling is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for children and their families to navigate the healing journey, ensuring that no child carries the weight of untreated PTSD into their future.
Photo by Юлія Дубина on Unsplash downloaded 7/10/24
Children’s Counseling Near Lee’s Summit Missouri
At Aspire Counseling, our clinicians know how difficult it is to watch your child struggle. If you’ve recognized the signs of trauma, taking the proactive steps to seek professional help can make a significant difference in your child’s well-being. Along with working with trauma, our experienced children’s therapist located in Lee’s Summit Missouri, also work with parents, teens, and children, experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and more.
Reach out today to begin your, or your child’s therapy journey with Aspire Counseling, you can reach out at 573-328-2288 ext. 1, or fill out our online form, and a member of our Client Care Team will reach out and get you or your child set up with a free consultation with one of our amazing clinicians!
