Teen PTSD Treatment in Frisco

What is Teen PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can affect individuals of all ages, including adolescents, in which a person has difficulty healing after a traumatic event.

If your teenager is displaying signs of PTSD, don’t wait to see a specialist. For patients in the Frisco area, Licensed Professional Counselor Renee Cagle, LPC, NCC is here to help. Give us a call at 469-747-1826 today to get started, or request an appointment through our secure online form.

Do Teens get PTSD?

The teenage years with rapid physical, emotional, and social changes, can be particularly vulnerable to traumatic experiences that may lead to the development of PTSD. PTSD can be caused by a number of different experiences. These experience overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope.

How are Traumatic Events Classified as PTSD?

A traumatic event is typically an event that results in or threatens death or injury. A tragedy is defined as an event or circumstance that creates intense distress or sadness.

A single traumatic event is called acute trauma and may include:

• Car accidents
• Natural disasters
• Loss of a parent
• Violent incidents
• Negative experience with a friend family member
• Witnessing a school or public shooting
• Life-threating situation

Ongoing traumatic events are called chronic trauma and may include:

• Sexual abuse
• Exposure to childhood abuse
• Domestic violence
• Gang violence

Both short term and long term trauma can lead to PTSD in teens.

How Long Does PTSD Last?

Traumatic stress can last days, weeks, or months following the event. For stress to be considered PTSD, symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.

The impact of trauma during adolescence can be profound, influencing the developing brain and shaping long-term mental health.

How Do I Know if my Teen has PTSD?

PTSD symptoms in teens include the following:

• Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Panic attacks
• Confusion or having difficulty making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Less interested in activities
• Irritable or aggressive
• Changes in mood
• Emotional numbness
• Constantly feeling on edge
• Avoiding triggers whether they are people, place, or activities
• Suicidal thoughts

Some of these symptoms may overlap with depression and anxiety, so it is important to seek professional help. It is crucial for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to be vigilant in recognizing these signs, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

How is PTSD Treated in Teenagers?

Addressing adolescent PTSD requires an integrated approach. If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, get help right away.

PS Counseling Frisco will work with you to find a solution that works for you.

Treatment typically includes:

Controlling internal and external triggers

• External – Places, people, situations, smells, sounds, or objects
• Internal – Thoughts, feelings, and even physical sensations

Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Somatic, or Body-based, Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

• To help individuals process and cope with traumatic memories

Medication

• To alleviate symptoms such as anxiety and depression

Comprehensive Resource Model

• A new approach using elements of psychology, spirituality, neurobiology, and body-based (somatic) techniques

Get Your Teen Help

For adolescents with PTSD, it can be a struggle with daily functioning and relationships. Treatment for PTSD in teens can make a big difference. Sometimes stigma or fear can prevent a teen from asking for help, so adults can be aware and involved. Parents and other adults need to monitor teens carefully after a traumatic event. Creating a safe and empathetic environment where adolescents feel heard and understood can significantly contribute to their healing.

Schools, too, play a crucial role in providing a supportive atmosphere and implementing trauma-informed practices to accommodate the unique needs of affected students.

Creating a culture that promotes open communication about mental health reduces stigma and encourages early intervention.