Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By Ryan E. Alekman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Violence comes in many forms in today’s world. Children are affected by violence very day. Some suffer physical personal injuries from assaults, battery, sexual molestation, shootings, fights, and bullying. Others suffer psychological injuries or mental pain and suffering from acts of violence. Some children suffer both physical and psychological injuries from acts of violence whether the children are the actual victims or targets of the violence or just witness the violence.
Symptoms of PTSD include attention problems, sleep problems, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms of psychological distress.
Dr. Shakira Franco Suglia at the Harvard School of Public Health located in Boston, Massachusetts, conducted previous research on children. He identified a disruption of the stress hormone called cortisol in children with a diagnosis of PTSD. Dr. Suglia another now believe that they have found similar findings in children living in urban communities who are exposed to community violence.
Psychological distress often manifest itself in behavioral and developmental issues. It can have far reaching affects on a child from his or her functioning at home, school, and with friends.
You can read more about this story at Children Exposed to Violence At Risk for Psychological Distress.