Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Maltreated Youth:A Review of Contemporary Research and Thought

摘要

Youths who have been maltreated often expe-rience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),and this special population has received increased attentionfrom researchers. Pathways toward maladaptive effects ofmaltreatment and PTSD are remarkably similar and reflectspecific biological diatheses and psychological vulnerabil-ities that produce wide-ranging self-regulation deficits.Developmental models of effects of maltreatment and ofPTSD are thus increasingly intertwined and have begun toinform specialized assessment and treatment strategies forthis population. This review covers key aspects of post-traumatic stress disorder in maltreated youth, includingepidemiology, symptomatology, outcome, and risk factorsas well as assessment and treatment strategies and chal-lenges for these youths.