106 Dr. Ryan Herringa: PTSD in Kids

When we hear the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, often the image of a combat veteran comes to mind, but a relatively new field is emerging - that of pediatric PTSD. This is a field of growing importance as we recognize that traumatized youth need treatment for this. Spearheading research in this area is Dr. Ryan Herringa. In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Herringa discuss the history of PTSD, how it often manifests in both adults and children, as well as the types of traumas that can cause pediatric PTSD. They also discuss the long term implications and risks for pediatric PTSD, as well as the structural and functional changes to the brain due these lingering traumas.

 Key Takeaways:

• Development will have an impact on how PTSD is expressed in kids.
• Parents, caretakers, and teachers are more likely to notice PTSD in the children in their lives. 
• There is increasing recognition and awareness of pediatric PTSD, however, there is more work to be done in being able to train people to administer therapies, to pick up on PTSD, and have systems that will be able to reach all of these kids.  

"Any type of trauma that involves the potential for serious injury or threat of life, in oneself (in the child) or, potentially, to someone else (such as a loved one or family member) can cause PTSD in a child." —  Dr. Ryan Herringa

Connect with Dr. Ryan Herringa:

Professional Bio: psychiatry.wisc.edu/staff/herringa-ryan

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-herringa-b2a31320

BRAVE Research Center: brave.psychiatry.wisc.edu

Connect with Therese:

Website:   www.criticallyspeaking.net

Twitter: @CritiSpeak

Email: [email protected]

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