Verywell / Alison Czinkota
The teen years can be an intense and tumultuous time.
How Common Is PTSD in Teenagers?
Traumas such as losing family members, divorce, and abandonment, can also cause PTSD.
Verywell / Alison Czinkota
Its estimated that as many as 5% of teens aged 13 to 18 experience PTSD.
Girls are more likely to experience it than boys.
PTSD in teenagers is something to take seriously.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Symptoms
Everyone experiences PTSD a little differently.
Symptoms of PTSD in teens more closely resemble PTSD symptoms in adults than in younger children.
Teens may also show more aggressive behaviors and act on impulse more frequently.
Causes
Just like in adults, PTSD in teens is because of a traumatic event or experience.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is hope for teens who have PTSD.
If you suspect your teen has PTSD, your first step is to get a diagnosis.
If its clear that your teen is experiencing PTSD, therapy will likely be recommended.
Finding a mental health professional with who your teen feels comfortable is key.
The good news is that parents and caretakers have an important role to play in their teens healing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Children.
Updated March 22, 2021.
Barnett E, Hamblen J.PTSD in Children and Adolescents.
National Center for PTSD.
Updated September 16, 2019.
Ganz D, Sher L.Suicidal behavior in adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder.
2010;62(4):363-70.
American Psychological Association.The Effects of Trauma Do Not Have to Last a Lifetime.
Updated January 16, 2004.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.Understanding Child Trauma.
Updated October 8, 2021.
