Several teenagers in the United States have witnessed parental incarceration at some point in their lives. For teen boys, a father or mother going to prison is more than a simple family transition. It qualifies as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), which is an indicator of future behavioral health conditions. Parents being behind bars usually …
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Hypervigilance in Teen Boys: What It Looks Like at Home and School
Traumatized teenagers may end up developing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. One of the signs of teen PTSD is hypervigilance. This causes a teenager’s brain to be stuck in threat mode. A hypervigilant teenager constantly scans for danger even where there is none. This state can be confusing for parents, but it helps to understand that …
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When a Teen Boy’s PTSD Makes Him Feel Like He’s Going Crazy
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that roughly 5% of teenagers in the US have met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Teen PTSD symptoms may get so intense that teenagers feel like they are going crazy. Their trauma can manifest as emotional numbness, vivid flashbacks, or dissociation. Your son may feel like he …
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I Think My Son Has Undiagnosed PTSD: How Do I Get a Real Assessment?
While mood swings and risk-taking usually mark adolescence, some behaviors often suggest something more. The National Center for PTSD estimates that 1%-6% of boys who experience traumatic events eventually have PTSD. Unfortunately, most cases remain undiagnosed. Seeing your teenager struggle without any clear reason can be agonizing. However, you should immediately get them assessed if …
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My Teen Son Has Witnessed Violence and Has Never Been the Same
The journey from childhood to adulthood is already stressful enough for teenagers. Witnessing a violent event can make it even worse by suddenly turning a teenager’s world upside down. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that a large percentage of youths exposed to traumatic events may develop lasting emotional or behavioral changes, including teen …
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