Most adolescents diagnosed with teen PTSD exhibit intense anger and persistent irritability. Parents are usually left exhausted and confused when a previously gentle son becomes explosive. It is easy to mistake such symptoms for rebellion or a lack of discipline. However, it is important to realize that most boys with teen PTSD use anger to …
More-
Teen Boys and Trauma After a Parent’s Incarceration: What to Expect
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 …
More -
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 …
More -
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 …
More -
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 …
More
