PTSD in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment in Lahore
Assessment and trauma-focused treatment for PTSD in children following exposure to a traumatic or frightening event.
Children who experience or witness a traumatic or frightening event can develop PTSD, which may present differently than in adults, often through play, regression, or behavioural change rather than directly verbalised distress.
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides sensitive, trauma-informed assessment and treatment for children who have experienced trauma, using age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches.
How PTSD Presents in Children
- Re-enacting aspects of the trauma through repetitive play
- Nightmares, which may not always directly reflect the traumatic content in younger children
- Increased clinginess, irritability, or regression to earlier behaviours
- Avoidance of specific people, places, or reminders of the event
- Hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response
Treatment
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the leading evidence-based treatment, helping the child process the traumatic memory safely and gradually, in a manner appropriate to their developmental level.
Parents are closely involved throughout treatment, both to provide support and to help create a sense of safety and stability for the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can very young children develop PTSD?
Yes, PTSD can occur even in young children, though it often presents differently, through play, regression, or behavioural changes rather than clearly expressed distress.
How soon after a traumatic event should assessment happen?
While some distress immediately after a traumatic event is normal, symptoms that persist beyond a month or significantly disrupt daily functioning warrant professional assessment.
Expert Care
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides compassionate, trauma-informed care to help children recover and rebuild a sense of safety after a traumatic experience.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual psychiatric assessment.
Common signs & symptoms
- Re-experiencing the traumatic event through play, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Heightened alertness or exaggerated startle response
- Regression in younger children (bedwetting, clinginess)
- Emotional numbness or difficulty expressing feelings
- Irritability or angry outbursts
Treatment approach
- → Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- → Age-appropriate processing of the traumatic event
- → Parent guidance and involvement
- → Safety and stabilisation as a first step
- → Medication in more significant cases
Frequently asked questions
Can very young children develop PTSD?
Yes, PTSD can occur even in young children, though it often presents differently, through play, regression, or behavioural changes rather than clearly expressed distress.
How soon after a traumatic event should assessment happen?
While some distress immediately after a traumatic event is normal, symptoms that persist beyond a month or significantly disrupt daily functioning warrant professional assessment.