Adolescenceis a time of tremendous change and tumult. As body and brain growth accelerates, teens face increasing peer, academic, and family pressures. These changes can be overwhelming, and many teens feel like they are pulled in a million different directions. For some young people, the stress of the teenage years can be overwhelming. As a result, many teens experience the onset of mental illness such as PTSD. This article will reveal how many adolescents have PTSD and its causes. You will also learn more about PTSD itself and where you can find teen PTSD treatment that can help your teen live a healthy and happy life. If you are looking for adolescent PTSD treatment in Florida, call AWA toll-free today. We offer evidence-based teen PTSD treatment specifically for the unique needs of young people.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe anxiety disorder where people experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Commonly associated with military personnel experiencing long deployments, war, and other events, PTSD affects people of all ages, including teens. Three primary symptoms mark PTSD in adolescence:
- Re-experiencing symptoms – reliving the traumatic event or events in the form of flashbacks and recurring nightmares.
- Avoidance – people affected with PTSD will avoid the people, places, and things connected to the traumatic event.
- Arousal symptoms – a constant feeling of unease and being constantly on alert. People with PTSD will experience a “flight or fight” response if there are things in the environment they perceive as threatening.
How Many Adolescents Have PTSD?
If you are a parent of a teen who may have PTSD, the first question you may ask is how many adolescents have PTSD. According to figures provided by the U.S. Department for Veteran Affairs: “Studies show that about 15% to 43% of girls and 14% to 43% of boys go through at least one trauma. Of those children and teens who have had a trauma, 3% to 15% of girls and 1% to 6% of boys develop PTSD.” Additional information provided by the NIH shows that the prevalence of PTSD among adolescents was higher for females (8.0%) than for males (2.3%). It is important to note that PTSD and anxiety disorders in teens are often underreported. As a result, the percentages of teens with PTSD may be much higher than what is reported.
What Can Cause PTSD in Adolescents?
As stated earlier, PTSD in teens occurs when they experience or witness a traumatic event or events. Examples of traumatic events that can lead to the onset of PTSD can include the following:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- School shootings
- Living after a major accident
- Surviving a natural disaster
- Witnessing or being the victim of violence
- Car crashes
- Dealing with the sudden death of a loved one
Risk Factors That May Lead to Teen PTSD
Several risk factors make teens more vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder. In general, the type of traumatic event and the amount of exposure to that event increases the risk of PTSD in adolescents. Another significant risk factor is parental support during and after the event. Those children whose parents provide little support or neglect after the event are more likely to develop PTSD. Other risk factors include:
- Presence of pre-existing mental health issues
- Low social support
- Exposure to other traumatic events
- Lack of coping skills
- Feelings of hopelessness, fear, and horror
It is important to note that these risk factors do not mean adolescents will develop PTSD. Suppose teens don’t receive help from an adolescent PTSD treatment program. In that case, this anxiety disorder will hinder their mental and emotional development. It may lead to substance abuse or developing other mental illnesses as they age.
How to Find Teen PTSD Treatment in Florida
If your teen son or daughter is experiencing PTSD, you need to find professional help as soon as possible. While finding treatment is a top priority, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to identify the most suitable treatment program for your teen. You must find an evidence-based program designed specifically for teenagers’ unique needs.
Look for a facility that offers individual and family counseling, clinical support, and programs that help teens develop healthy coping skills, enhance self-esteem, and improve their ability to communicate effectively what they think and feel.
Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA
At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, toward recovery from mental health challenges. Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:
- Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
- Afterschool Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.
When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team. Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs.
Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-856-3315 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.
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Brandsmen
