Research on Risk Factors for PTSD in Children and Adolescents

In the Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, a study found that certain factors can increase the risk of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in children. These include traumatic stress in the family, community violence, family disintegration, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Interestingly, living in a disadvantaged area was associated with lower PTSD risk. Children in some neighborhoods might not necessarily have higher PTSD rates when other factors are controlled for. This could be due to the strong community support they receive. Having supportive relationships helps children cope with trauma.

These findings are important given that PTSD can significantly impact a child's development. Learning what causes or prevents PTSD helps us create better ways to help and protect kids.

Understanding the Research

The study used longitudinal data from Denmark, which covered children born between 1984 and 1994. They were tracked from age 7 to 18. The dataset included a range of factors, such as personal vulnerabilities, family stressors, community violence, and demographic factors.

Note that the PTSD diagnoses were based on ICD-10 criteria, which were identified through hospital records. This relied on medical providers’ assessments in psychiatric settings, as these are typically the first to record PTSD in children.

These were the key findings:

• Traumatic stress within the family was a significant predictor of PTSD. This included parental suicidal behavior, PTSD, and other anxiety disorders. (However, while these family issues are important, they only account for a small part of the overall cases of PTSD in children.)
• Being exposed to community violence (such as conflict from wars, gangs, or criminal activities) — whether as a victim or witness — was also strongly associated with higher PTSD risk.
• Experiencing family separation or adoption also increases the likelihood of developing PTSD. According to the study, about 57% of the children diagnosed with PTSD had gone through family separation.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) had a significantly higher risk of PTSD. This may be due to a child’s challenges in managing their behaviors and interacting with others. They have difficulty understanding social cues or fitting in with peers.
• Residing in an economically disadvantaged area wasn’t linked to increased PTSD when adjusted for other factors. This living situation might lead to stress, but if the primary stressors (such as violence or abuse) are not present, the link to PTSD might not be as strong.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Below, we recommend the following tips that may address factors that might lead to PTSD in children. These strategies will help them feel safe, loved, and supported:

• Address trauma early by seeking professional help. If a child has experienced a traumatic event, look out for signs of traumatic stress, such as decreased interest in daily activities, sleep struggles, difficulty trusting others, and mood swings. Early intervention can prevent PTSD from worsening. (For children with neurodevelopmental disorders, be sure to seek out therapists or counselors who have experience in these areas.)
• Reduce stress in the family. This may include improving your communication (by making sure every family member feels heard), engage in activities that allow you to bond as a family (such as dinners and game nights), and focus on finding solutions instead of yelling or blaming when there is conflict. Check out these family therapy activities.
• Teach kids coping skills. Coping skills allow children to deal with trauma by giving them a space to process their emotions. Strategies like preparing for trauma triggers, using positive self-talk, and practicing self-care each day enable them to approach their challenges more constructively.

The researchers stress the need for more studies on building resilience and preventing and treating PTSD. They also highlight the importance of making trauma-focused therapy more available for kids and teens right after traumatic events

For more trauma-focused resources, visit our Trauma Worksheets Collection.