Jessica Duffel, Psy.D. Clinical Psychologist Family Mental Health Program Oklahoma City VA Medical Center Surviving Trauma: The Impact on Individuals, Families, and In the Classroom
Dec 14, 2015
Jessica Duffel, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Family Mental Health Program
Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Surviving Trauma: The Impact on Individuals,
Families, and In the Classroom
Review the signs and symptoms of PTSD
Review of protective and risk factors associated with posttraumatic stress
Describe the impact of posttraumatic stress in the school setting for children and adults
Objectives
What is Trauma?
Exposure to death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence Direct exposure or witnessing
Indirect exposure
Repeated or extreme indirect exposure to gruesome details of the event(s), usually in the course of professional duties
Trauma Defined
Sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence
Violent crimes
War
Natural or man-made disasters
Community violence
Transportation accidents
Examples of Traumatic Stressors
R e-experiencing
A voidance
I ncreased arousal
N egative thoughts and feelings
Signs and Symptoms: RAIN
Symptoms persist for at least one month
Negatively impact important areas of life
There may be delay in appearance of symptoms
Additional Considerations
Other Possible Effects of Trauma
Fear
Worry
Sadness
Anger
Feeling alone
Low self-esteem
Difficulty trusting
Aggression
Self-harmAlcohol or drug
misuse
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD
Posttraumatic reactions vary by person and age
Important Points
The Impact of Trauma on Families
May feel that their parent does not care about or love them
May worry their parent cannot take care of them
May worry about their parent’s well-being
May show similar symptoms as parent
May take on the adult role
May not learn how to manage their feelings
Children of Parents with PTSD
Help children learn what it means for a parent to have PTSD
Share information, but do not overshare the details of the parent’s trauma (depends on age and maturity of child)
Help the child understand it is not his/her fault
Individual therapy for parent and childFamily therapy is a good optionBe aware of possible violence in the home
Helping Children Who Have a Parent with PTSD
How severe was the trauma?How close was the trauma?Did the trauma involve interpersonal
violence?Were there repeated traumas?
For Children:How did the parents react to the trauma?Does the child have a preexisting mental
health condition?Are there parental mental health concerns?
Risk Factors for Developing PTSD
Family and Social Support
Distance from the trauma
For children, parents are less upset after trauma
Protective Factors
Family and Social Support
Distance from the trauma
For children, parents less upset after trauma
Protective Factors
In the Classroom
Difficulty paying attention
Impaired processing of information
Learning and memory difficulties
Difficulty with problem-solving, planning, organization
Negative attitudes toward school
The Effects of Trauma In the Classroom
Extra time on in-class exams or out-of-class assignments
Additional reminders for due datesAllow for audio recording of class
lessons/lecturesGive seating optionsAlternative seating arrangements Breaks during class
Possible Accommodations
Allow to stand in back of class for brief periods
When possible, use of break out groupsTutoringExcused absence procedures for medical
and/or mental health appointmentsCommunicate directly to educators about
student being a trauma-survivor (if known) and suggestions for accommodations to help the student succeed
Possible Accommodations
Speak calmly and gently, yet firmRespectful languageEven tone of voice, not shoutingApproach from the frontMinimize sudden movements Avoid touching the individualMinimize loud, sudden noisesFirmly ask the individual to leave the setting
if being disruptive
Communication with Trauma Survivors
OKC VA Med Center Family Mental Health Program:
405-456-5183 405-456-2392 National Center for PTSD:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/National Child Traumatic Stress Network,
Psychological First Aid, Appendix E: http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/pfa/english/appendix_e.pdf
Vet Parenting Toolkit http://www.ouhsc.edu/VetParenting
American Psychiatric Association, DSM 5
Resources