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The Biology of Early Life Stress pp 71–88Cite as

Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress

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Part of the book series: Child Maltreatment Solutions Network ((CMSN))

Abstract

Just like adults, but with enhanced vulnerability, children are susceptible to the experience of traumatic events and the development of pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and associated functional impairment. Children living in under-resourced communities may be especially vulnerable if they live with multiple stressors, such as community violence and poverty, and if their community lacks resources to aid in these challenges. Studies on pediatric PTSD have shown differences between the aforementioned group and children reporting no trauma, including emotional and behavioral differences. Our research has furthered this line of work by employing a multimethod approach that includes brain anatomy and function and studies of the stress hormone cortisol. In order to equip children with the resources they need to surpass adversity, we have translated research findings into novel compositions of individual therapy and large-scale school-delivered programs. We have also participated in the development of integrative care between primary and mental health service systems and utilized our work to impact policy. It is our goal to further pediatric PTSD treatment through evidence-based research, implementation and dissemination of programs, and policy change. This chapter will elaborate on all of the aforementioned topics.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Olivia Altamirano & Victor G. Carrión

Authors
  1. Olivia Altamirano
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  2. Victor G. Carrión
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Correspondence to Victor G. Carrión .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Pennsylvania State University, USA

    Jennie G. Noll

  2. Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA

    Idan Shalev

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Altamirano, O., Carrión, V.G. (2018). Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress. In: Noll, J., Shalev, I. (eds) The Biology of Early Life Stress. Child Maltreatment Solutions Network. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72589-5_6

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