Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in pre-schoolers: A report of two cases.

Authors :: Sowmya Bhaskaran T S
Gaikwad AD
Chandrakanth C
Seshadri SP
Source :: Asian journal of psychiatry [Asian J Psychiatr] 2016 Apr; Vol. 20, pp. 52-4. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Feb 04.
Publication Year :: 2016
Abstract: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) presents unique challenges in toddlers and pre-schoolers as there are difficulties in assessment and overshadowing by comorbid illnesses. We present case descriptions of two pre-schoolers with developmental manifestations of the PTSD symptoms of intrusion, avoidance and alteration in arousal and reactivity following penetrative sexual abuse. These symptoms caused significant impairment and required a combination of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention. This case report facilitates recognition of the disorder in preverbal and early verbal children and suggestions on management of PTSD in pre-schoolers are provided.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)