NCJ Number
204980
Journal
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 43 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 381-392
Date Published
April 2004
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the literature about clinical presentation and treatment interventions of childhood reactions to terrorism-induced trauma.
Abstract
Research on the impact of terrorism on children covers a range of violent acts that are classified as acts of terrorism, such as isolated events in countries not at war, and repeated terrorist attacks in areas of political conflict. More research has emerged on the subject of terrorism in children over the past 10 years. Many of the effects of terrorism-induced trauma are similar to the effects of natural and man-made trauma. The responses of children include acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, regressive behaviors, separation problems, sleep difficulties, and behavioral problems. Several aspects of terrorist attacks result in unique stressors and reactions and pose specific challenges for treatment, such as the unpredictability or indefinite threat of terrorist events, the effect on adults and communities, and the effect of extensive terrorist-related media coverage. All of these aspects exacerbate underlying anxieties and contribute to a continuous state of stress and anxiety. Intervention strategies include early community-based interventions, screening of children at risk, triage and referral, and trauma-loss-focused treatment programs. Further research is needed to identify children at risk and to determine the long-term impact on children’s development. The preliminary results of interventions developed to help children are promising, but the outcome data have not been examined. Further research is required to evaluate their effectiveness. 137 references