Posttraumatic stress disorder in children

Abstract

The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is reviewed. The characteristics, prevalence, and course of PTSD in children are described, and the protector and risk factors involved, including response to trauma, age, family, and cultural and individual features are analized. This review also shows how the disorder exhibits itself through the different development stages. It discusses the differences between Type I and II PTSD, with acute or chronic trauma, and the probability of contagion with close subjects. It updates also research on the neurophysiological background of the disorder (hyperarousal, reexperience and dissociation) and describes the emergence of a new homeostatic state that helps to maintain the disease, disturbing the overall development of the child, adolescent and even the adult. © 2006 Sociedad de Neurolog Psiquiatry Neurocirugbr.