Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Diagnosis for Youth from Violent, Impoverished Communities

Abstract

We examine the historical development and use of the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder that has been primarily applied to war veterans. We explore how study of this population and refinement of this diagnosis were influenced by changing paradigms and the emergence of new theory. From this context, we then explore similarities and differences between the symptoms, stressors, and social supports of war veterans with those of youth living in violent, impoverished communities. Based upon this analysis, we conclude with implications for researchers, education, mental health, and social service policy-makers and service providers.

Risk and Resilience Variables as Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress and Growth: A Longitudinal Media-Based Study

“…Prior to 1980, "traumatic war neuroses" (APA, 1952) was a diagnosis limited to military personnel and war veterans. A rapid theoretical shift in the psychological community led to the understanding that a greater variety of potentially traumatic incidents can cause maladaptive stress symptoms, thereby leading to a broader definition of trauma and traumatic reactions (Bertram & Dartt, 2009). In the DSM-II the disorder was changed to "transient situational stress reaction" (APA, 1968), and the contemporary diagnosis of PTSD has existed with minimal drastic changes since the third edition of the DSM was released 1980 (APA, 1980).…”

Classroom of hope: The voice of one courageous teacher on the US–Mexico border

“…While numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of violence on children and youth (e.g. Bertram and Dartt 2008;Gorman-Smith, Henry, and Tolan 2004;Jarymowicz and Bar-Tal, 2006;Margolin and Gordis 2004), there is a lack of critical, interpretive research on the lived experiences of these youngsters in the US school system. Furthermore, few of these studies examine both daily life and educational status in the specific context of violence affecting the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez area and between Mexico and the US in broader educational terms.…”