Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often only associated with adults. This is a fallacy. According to the journal Biological Psychiatry, “Approximately two-thirds of youth are exposed to trauma by late adolescence, and many develop PTSD as a result. By age 18, 8% of traumatized youth have met the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, with numbers rising up to 40% in cases of sexual abuse and assault.” To put that in perspective, based on population, that is roughly 6 million young people that are struggling with some form of PTSD. In other words, PTSD clearly does not solely affect adults.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to authors Mann and Marwaha in their publication titled Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, “PTSD is a syndrome that results from exposure to real or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual assault.” The authors also quickly explain the potential severity of the disorder; “Following the traumatic event, PTSD is common and is one of the serious health concerns that is associated with comorbidity, functional impairment, and increased mortality with suicidal ideations and attempts.”
Ultimately, PTSD arises from trauma. However, it also manifests from a lack of social support and intervention after initially enduring a traumatic event. This is why there is such a significant gap in the previously mentioned statistic between adolescents who experience trauma and those who develop PTSD.
There is a bit of a silver lining, or rather an opportunity, regarding adolescent trauma and PTSD in that fact, however. In adolescents, there is a very significant window by which trauma can be discovered, discussed, and addressed before PTSD has a chance to manifest. Also, if PTSD is present, there is an opportunity to diagnose and treat it before more serious long-term effects result from it.
The Warning Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
According to the aforementioned publication, “The prevalence of traumatic events in the lives of individuals ranges from 61% to 80%. After the trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the population and is higher in women than in men.” As we can see, the numbers are significantly higher regarding the population as a whole, and more so in adults (even more so in adult women).
This is why it is critical to detect the warning signs of PTSD as soon as possible. The following are just some of those warning signs of PTSD:
- Becoming withdrawn and isolating from others
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Becoming more easily frustrated and exhibiting mood swings
- Misusing substances as a coping mechanism
- Exhibiting academic decline
- Expressing feelings of anxiety and/or depression
- Shutting down emotionally
- Expressing feelings of suicidal ideation
As we can see, these warning signs are very serious. If any of these warning signs start to manifest, it is highly recommended to seek out professional support sooner than later. Doing so can help avoid the exacerbation and prolonging of symptoms.
The Effects of Untreated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
There is a very good reason to stay vigilant regarding trauma in adolescents; PTSD can arise quickly. It is false to think it only manifests over extended periods of time. Also, once it arises, it can have very serious and detrimental effects on the individual.
Moreover, untreated PTSD can increase the risk of the following:
- The development of addiction comorbidities; including both process addictions and substance addictions
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors
- The development of a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as an anxiety or depressive disorder
- Acting out violently toward themselves or others
- Suicidal ideation
Now, there should be no illusion; PTSD can be a deadly disorder. This is why enacting a comprehensive treatment plan right away after diagnosis is critical.
Treatment Options at Clearview
Here at Clearview, we believe in a three-tiered approach to treating our students. We focus on emotional healing, behavioral reconciliation, and spiritual growth. Regarding our students with PTSD, these three tiers are especially important.
When it comes to emotional healing and behavioral reconciliation, some of the most effective methods exist in the psychotherapeutic realm. These include therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Now, these therapies are not only effective in getting to the underlying emotional traumas that cause PTSD but also in creating tools to address the behaviors associated with those traumas.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus tells his followers, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” For our students struggling with PTSD, it has been too long since they have had a break from their traumatic burdens. Our goal is to give them that break so they can then break free and live the unburdened lives that they deserve.
Some forms of depression, such as high-functioning depression and situational depression, are often only associated with adults. This is also often true with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Contrary to this notion, teens can also struggle with symptoms of PTSD. In fact, it is much more common than many people think. The difference between adolescent PTSD and adult PTSD is that, with adolescent PTSD, there is an opportunity to address it before it can have greater effects on their development. If you feel like your daughter may be struggling with high-functioning depression, PTSD, or another mental health concern, they are not alone. We can help. For more information on treatment options, contact Clearview at 866-584-4788.
