Behavioral and Emotional Diagnoses
in Kids with a Trauma History
Symptoms of ODD may include:
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Frequent temper tantrums
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Excessive arguing with adults
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Defiance and refusal to comply with requests and rules
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Deliberate attempts to annoy people
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Blaming others for mistakes or misbehavior
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Irritability
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Frequent anger and resentment
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Spiteful and vindictive
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety may include:
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Excessive distress when separated from home or family
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Excessive worry about the safety of a family member or self
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Refusal to go to school
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Panic or temper tantrums when separated from parents or caregivers
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Frequent headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches, or other physical complaints
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Clinginess, even what at home
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Fear and reluctance to be alone
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Excessive worry when sleeping away from home
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Refusal to sleep alone
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Repeated nightmares with a theme of separation
(Zero to Three, 2016)
Separation Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
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Physiolgocial reaction or emotional symptoms when reminded of event
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Worry about dying at an early age
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Loss of interest in activities
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Physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches
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Sudden extreme or emotional reactions
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Repeated nightmares
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Problems falling or staying asleep
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Irritability or angry outbursts
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Problems concentrating
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Acting younger than their age
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Acting or feeling like the experience is occurring again
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Play or behavior that reencacts some aspect of the trauma(s)
(American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2021; Zero to Three, 2016)
Symptoms of Phobic Disorder may include:
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Extreme fear of something specific, such as:
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a person
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an animal
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an object
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a place
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a situation
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Feelings of fear so intense there is disruption to daily life and routine
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Feelings of fear so intense they do not subside even with reassurance from parents or other caregivers
(National Health Service, 2021)
Phobic Disorder
Symptoms of ADHD may include:
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Distraction and difficulty concentrating
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Challenges with learning in school
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Inattention to details, makes careless mistakes
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Disorganization
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Loss of school supplies and forgetfulness with homework
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Trouble finishing schoolwork
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Difficulty following through on instructions
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Hyperactivity and restlessness
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Blurting out answers
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Difficulty waiting their turn
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Fidgeting or squirming
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Excessive Talking
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013)