adolescent Archives - Khiron Clinics Trauma Clinics Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:09:44 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.7 What To Do When Your Child Refuses Therapy http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/what-to-do-when-your-child-refuses-therapy/ http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/what-to-do-when-your-child-refuses-therapy/#respond Mon, 31 Jan 2022 12:18:36 +0000 http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/?p=7143 You may have noticed a distinct change in your child. Maybe they have had a stressful school year or have been impacted by divorce, bullying or the pandemic. No matter the cause, they may be withdrawn and moody, and you may worry that something beyond the normal teenage hormones is behind it and that they […]

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You may have noticed a distinct change in your child. Maybe they have had a stressful school year or have been impacted by divorce, bullying or the pandemic. No matter the cause, they may be withdrawn and moody, and you may worry that something beyond the normal teenage hormones is behind it and that they may benefit from having someone to talk to.

If you broached the topic of therapy previously but consistently get rejected, there are other ways to start a conversation with your child and get them the help they need.

Mental Health

Your child may benefit from therapy for several reasons. You may have noticed that your child is exhibiting different or unusual behaviours, such as:

  • Significant weight changes
  • Becoming withdrawn
  • Changing their friends
  • Performing poorly in school
  • Losing interest in hobbies or activities

Although these are also a normal part of being a teenager, they can indicate a more profound mental health condition.

Teenagers especially may cope with stress or mental health conditions by self-medicating with unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol, drugs, or self-harm.

If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, your doctor can offer support and may offer a diagnosis for your child and help signpost where to start looking for treatment and therapy. However, even without the diagnosis of a specific mental health condition, therapy can be helpful for all young adults.

Educate Yourself And Your Child

A major misconception that many children and young adults may have about therapy is that if they need to go they are broken or something is wrong with them. If you bring up therapy in the wake of an argument with them or after a bad report from school, for example, your child may think that therapy is a form of punishment.

Educate your child on what therapy is. Explain that they’re not being asked to attend because they are bad, and the goal of therapy is not to make them good – it is simply a useful tool that will help them feel better in the long run.

Be sure to present therapy as a normal experience, not something that is shameful or secretive. If you as a parent have attended therapy, share this with your child – they may be comforted by this fact and know that they can return to you with any questions or worries that they have.

Educate yourself on the various myths around therapy as well. It’s not just for people experiencing a mental health crisis – many use therapy to navigate the challenges of daily life; not just to cope with grief and trauma.

Don’t Force It

Forcing your child into therapy is not likely to make them receptive to treatment. Your child may resent you more for making them go, and their therapy sessions will likely be unproductive.

However, you may choose to make a deal with your child and encourage them to try a few sessions. If you are able to get them to attend a few times, their therapist will have the chance to set them at ease and show them that the experience can be a positive one.

Some parents desperation can result in them not telling their children that they are going to therapy. If they only realise on the way there or when they arrive, they may lash out and refuse to engage with the therapist at all, and this is also detrimental to their relationship with their child in general.

If your child is really resistant, keep the conversation going and allow your child to ask questions and express concerns. Eventually, you may have the breakthrough moment you need to get them to engage in the idea.

Communicate With Your Child’s Therapist

If you have selected a therapist for your child but they are still refusing to go, try liaising with your child’s therapist to see what can be done to encourage them. It is beneficial to keep this private from your child as they may feel embarrassed or ashamed to know that other people are discussing their problems.

Most therapists will also be open if they are not suitable for your child or family unit. If this is the case, they may refer you to another therapist with more experience in the issues that are relevant to you.

Be sure to openly communicate with your child’s therapist about their sessions and progress. However, it is also important not to overstep boundaries – your child must feel that therapy is a safe space for them to discuss their problems and emotions and that you will not interfere or put words in their mouth. Although you may think that you know what your child’s issues are, allow them to be the ones that lead the conversation. This act in itself gives your child a sense of agency and purpose and it may be all they need to encourage them to attend therapy.

Conclusion

Convincing your child to attend therapy can be a battle. However, although it may not be an easy road, by supporting your child and letting them know that therapy is a positive experience, you can help them access the treatment they deserve.

If you have a client or know of someone struggling their mental health, reach out to us at Khiron Clinics. We believe that we can improve therapeutic outcomes and avoid misdiagnosis by providing an effective residential program and outpatient therapies addressing underlying psychological trauma. Allow us to help you find the path to realistic, long-lasting recovery. For more information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

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]]> http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/what-to-do-when-your-child-refuses-therapy/feed/ 0 Trauma and Disordered Eating http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/trauma-and-disordered-eating/ http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/trauma-and-disordered-eating/#respond Sun, 26 Sep 2021 03:56:51 +0000 http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/?p=6813 Patterns of disordered eating are becoming increasingly common amongst children under the age of twelve. Children’s attitudes around food are affected by numerous factors, including the food-related behaviours of their parents and peers, self-esteem, negative body image, stress, bullying, or trauma. Children frequently have changing attitudes towards foods, and they may become fussy, refuse to […]

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]]> Patterns of disordered eating are becoming increasingly common amongst children under the age of twelve. Children’s attitudes around food are affected by numerous factors, including the food-related behaviours of their parents and peers, self-esteem, negative body image, stress, bullying, or trauma.

Children frequently have changing attitudes towards foods, and they may become fussy, refuse to eat, or as young teenagers, they may experiment with fad diets. Most of the time, this is not cause for concern and is generally understood to be a developmental process. However, disordered eating habits can lead to eating disorders – especially if the child feels under pressure or has experienced trauma.

This article will explore the connection between trauma and disordered eating and the most common eating issues amongst children.

The Impact of Trauma

Recent research demonstrates that a high percentage of eating disorder sufferers have a history of childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).[1]

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network states that “child traumatic stress occurs when children and adolescents are exposed to traumatic events or traumatic situations that overwhelm their ability to cope.”[2]

Childhood trauma may include neglect, domestic violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, an accident, or the loss of a loved one.

Trauma instigates our body’s natural survival response releasing the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. In children, prolonged stress is particularly harmful and may result in various detrimental behaviours.[3]

Numerous studies have evidenced the correlation between childhood trauma and the development of psychiatric disorders. These disorders may include eating disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, self-injuring behaviours, suicidal ideation, anger, and increased impulsivity and risk-taking.[4]

Chronic illness, diabetes, and mental health issues such as depression or anxiety also act as traumatic triggers for developing an eating disorder.[5]

The Escalation of Disordered Eating

Disordered eating patterns emerge when a child uses food to cope with difficult feelings or painful situations. Food can become a comfort in times of stress, anger, boredom, or loneliness. Food may be used to control situations or to give the child a sense of autonomy in situations where they feel unheard, unseen, or disempowered. Children may also harbour a negative sense of self and dissatisfaction with their bodies, resulting in fear of gaining weight or changing shape.

These habitual behaviours and attitudes towards food can quickly escalate into an eating disorder, in a sense trapping the child in a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break free from.

People commonly think of adolescents or young adults when they consider someone suffering from an eating disorder; however, rates of eating disorders amongst children under twelve have been steadily growing in recent years.[6]

Children are at a crucial stage of development where they are especially vulnerable to detrimental psychological and physiological effects. Eating disorders can cause significant damage to a child’s growing body and have long-lasting consequences for their mental health, including the onset of depression and anxiety.[7]

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that have the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder. Of those surviving an eating disorder, 50% fully recover, 30% improve significantly, and 20% remain chronically ill.[8]

An eating disorder is symptomatic of an underlying issue that must be quickly understood, addressed, and treated before it has a chance to escalate.

Types of Eating Disorders in Children

The most common eating disorders amongst the adult population are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. However, children tend to present quite differently to adults, so understanding the following most common child eating disorders is crucial.[9]

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Young children commonly experience this eating disorder. It can present as a general aversion or lack of interest in food or a sensory dislike of particular foods. A food once enjoyed may suddenly be refused, and the child may become distressed by chewing, swallowing, smelling, or seeing the food. If a particular food previously caused an adverse reaction, the child may become fearful of vomiting or getting a stomach ache. These restrictive behaviours can cause nutritional deficiency and weight loss, as well as long-term food aversion.

Pica

Pica is an eating disorder characterised by the ingestion of non-food substances. Young infants may place non-food items such as grass or toys in their mouths out of curiosity; however, pica sufferers will eat substances of no nutritional value, such as dirt, paint, sand, chalk, and hair. Sufferers may suffer from malnutrition, weight loss, and severe health complications such as blockages, internal bleeding, ulcers, or poisoning.

Anorexia Nervosa

Children with anorexia tend to have a distorted body image. They are likely to compare themselves to their peers and think they are overweight when they are not. Sufferers will seek to control their weight and body shape through food restriction, purging, or excessive exercise. Anorexia nervosa causes significant damage to health and a child’s development.

Next Steps

Witnessing your child struggle with an eating disorder is exceptionally difficult. You will likely feel upset, frustrated, fearful, and confused about where to turn.

Although it is critical to act quickly, be reassured that children can make a long-lasting recovery from an eating disorder and live a fulfilling, healthy life.

If you are the parent of a child with an eating disorder, please get in touch with us today, and we will work together to heal the entire family unit.

 

At Khiron Clinics, C+A attuned therapists can help you work through and process any unresolved trauma using specialist techniques and methods. Please contact us today.

 

Sources:

[1] Guillaume, S. et al. “Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences And Clinical Characteristics Of Eating Disorders”. Scientific Reports, vol 6, no. 1, 2016. Springer Science And Business Media LLC, doi:10.1038/srep35761. Accessed 21 Sept 2021.

[2] The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. n.d. About Child Trauma. [online] Available at: <https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma> [Accessed 19 April 2021].

[3] Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. n.d. Toxic Stress. [online] Available at: <https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/toxic-stress/> [Accessed 19 April 2021].

[4]

[5] Pinhas-Hamiel, Orit, and Yael Levy-Shraga. “Eating Disorders In Adolescents With Type 2 And Type 1 Diabetes”. Current Diabetes Reports, vol 13, no. 2, 2012, pp. 289-297. Springer Science And Business Media LLC, doi:10.1007/s11892-012-0355-7. Accessed 21 Sept 2021.

[6] Campbell, K., and R. Peebles. “Eating Disorders In Children And Adolescents: State Of The Art Review”. PEDIATRICS, vol 134, no. 3, 2014, pp. 582-592. American Academy Of Pediatrics (AAP), doi:10.1542/peds.2014-0194. Accessed 21 Sept 2021.

[7] Smith PhD, LPC, Kathleen. “Eating Disorders In Children 12 And Under: Learn The Warning Signs”. Psycom.Net – Mental Health Treatment Resource Since 1996, 2019, https://www.psycom.net/eating-disorders-in-children.

[8] Steinhausen, H.C. (2002). “The Outcome of Anorexia Nervosa in the 20th Century.” American Journal of Psychiatry, 159, 1284-1293

[9] “Feeding And Eating Disorders”. 2013. American Psychiatric Association, doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm10. Accessed 21 Sept 2021.

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]]> http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/trauma-and-disordered-eating/feed/ 0 Child & Adolescent PTSD http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/child-and-adolescent-ptsd/ http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/blog/child-and-adolescent-ptsd/#respond Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:18:15 +0000 http://khironhouse.dev.fl9.uk/?p=6792 Every child and adolescent is likely to experience stressful events which may affect them physically or emotionally. A child’s reaction to stress is often brief, and they can recover quickly and without long term problems. However, the experience of trauma can result in ongoing difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma is a situation […]

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]]> Every child and adolescent is likely to experience stressful events which may affect them physically or emotionally. A child’s reaction to stress is often brief, and they can recover quickly and without long term problems. However, the experience of trauma can result in ongoing difficulties such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Trauma is a situation where an individual fears for their life or experiences extreme physical or psychological danger. This could be a natural disaster, a catastrophic accident, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. It is estimated that up to 40% of children and teenagers experience at least one traumatic experience.[1]

A child’s propensity to developing PTSD is related to how they experience the gravity of the trauma, their proximity to the trauma, whether the trauma is repeated, others’ reactions to the event, and their relationship to those involved.

The child or teenager may struggle with disturbing memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and physical distress symptoms following the event, making day-to-day life a struggle. This is especially true for young people who may not have the tools or skills to explain how they feel and what they are experiencing.

PTSD can happen to anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, or age. The symptoms of PTSD often present differently in children and teenagers, so a diagnosis may, unfortunately, be missed.

Symptoms of PTSD in Children & Adolescents

The symptoms of PTSD frequently look different among children and adolescents compared to adults. Young children commonly display symptoms of PTSD through their play and interactions with others.[2] The phenomenon of Post-traumatic Play has been mainly studied among children who have experienced terror events; however, it is seen across all types of traumatic events. Play analysis has shown that children are likely to re-enact traumatic situations, follow morbid themes, display a reduced awareness of themselves as a player, and display a lower developmental level.

In contrast, teenagers with PTSD have been found to exhibit impulsive, aggressive, and even violent tendencies with their peers, family, and authority figures.[3]

PTSD symptoms shared by both children and adolescents may include:

  • Memories, nightmares, and flashbacks. 
  • Acting or feeling like the trauma is repeating.
  • Physical trauma symptoms such as a racing heart, trembling and tension, headaches, digestive discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin, fatigue and pain.
  • Losing interest in friends or hobbies.
  • Insomnia.
  • Displaying sudden or extreme emotions.
  • Expressing acute anger, frustration, or irritability.
  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating.
  • Concerns about dying at a young age.
  • Showing a lower developmental level than their peers.
  • Feeling nervous, restless, or anxious.
  • Experiencing emotional numbness or dissociation.
  • Relationship problems with peers, family members, and teachers.
  • Decreased school performance.

Both children and adults can have difficulty recollecting the trauma event narrative; however, children and teenagers often remember things in the wrong order. An adverse side-effect of this erroneous narrative is that children and adolescents frequently believe there was an advance warning sign they failed to be aware of. This creates more significant anxiety, lack of trust, and trepidation in their daily lives as they try to prevent any similar trauma from reoccurring.

PTSD & Co-Occurring Disorders

Along with the aforementioned associated symptoms, several psychiatric disorders can be found among young people with PTSD. The most common co-occurring conditions include major depression, panic disorder, separation anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, ADHD, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder.[5]

Children who have experienced trauma often have additional problems with loneliness, low self-worth, fear, sadness, low self-esteem, a lack of trust in others, feeling inferior, patronised, and misunderstood. As such, there is a propensity among this demographic to display aggression, impulsive or risk-taking behaviours, self-injurious behaviour, abuse of drugs or alcohol, adverse sexual behaviour, and suicidal ideation.[6]

Trauma symptoms and associated disorders are wide-ranging, challenging, and can appear to hold the person hostage in a place of constant threat and danger.

How To Treat PTSD in Children and Teens?

At Khiron Clinics, our professional PTSD therapists offer a range of treatment modalities developed to aid children and adolescents in their recovery.

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic experiencing is a body-focused therapy that addresses the root causes of trauma symptoms. This therapy aims to release the stored energy from the body’s fight-flight-freeze response, which was activated at the time of the trauma. The approach guides clients to recognise and understand the physical sensations which arise in the body in response to trauma reminders or triggers. Through increased awareness of sensations, suppressed emotions, and defensive tension is released.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor psychotherapy combines talk therapy with somatic therapy. This approach focuses on the physical experiences of the body to develop an awareness of mental states. As trauma profoundly affects the body, we believe it is essential to use the body as a gateway to understanding a person’s psychology and towards improved mental health. Sensorimotor psychotherapy directly treats the symptoms of trauma within the body, which facilitates emotional and cognitive healing.

Other Treatments

Khiron Clinics offer customised treatment plans tailored to an individual’s unique needs. Treatment may also include medication, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Lifespan Integration and BSP (Brainspotting).

Conclusion

We understand that as a parent, you want the best for your child and that there is nothing worse than watching them suffer. Feeling powerless or confused when confronted with PTSD symptoms in your child is natural. However, PTSD is fully treatable, especially when caught early on. Together we can help your child regain control of their future and build a happy, healthy life free from the effects of trauma.

At Khiron Clinics C+A, attuned therapists can help you work through and process any unresolved trauma using specialist techniques and methods. Please contact us today.

At Khiron Clinics C+A, attuned therapists can help you work through and process any unresolved trauma using specialist techniques and methods. Please contact us today.

Sources

[1] “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)”. Aacap.Org, 2019, https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder-PTSD-070.aspx.
[2] Cohen, Esther et al. “Posttraumatic Play In Young Children Exposed To Terrorism: An Empirical Study”. Infant Mental Health Journal, vol 31, no. 2, 2010, pp. 159-181. Wiley, doi:10.1002/imhj.20250. Accessed 17 Aug 2021.
[3] Fehon, Dwain C. et al. “A Comparison Of Adolescent Inpatients With And Without A History Of Violence Perpetration”. Journal Of Nervous & Mental Disease, vol 193, no. 6, 2005, pp. 405-411. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), doi:10.1097/01.nmd.0000165294.41091.fc. Accessed 17 Aug 2021.
[4] Foa, Edna B. et al. “Psychometrics Of The Child PTSD Symptom Scale For DSM-5 For Trauma-Exposed Children And Adolescents”. Journal Of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, vol 47, no. 1, 2017, pp. 38-46. Informa UK Limited, doi:10.1080/15374416.2017.1350962. Accessed 17 Aug 2021.
[5] Cohen, Judith A. “Practice Parameter For The Assessment And Treatment Of Children And Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder”. Journal Of The American Academy Of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, vol 49, no. 4, 2010, pp. 414-430. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2009.12.020. Accessed 17 Aug 2021.
[6] “VA.Gov | Veterans Affairs”. Ptsd.Va.Gov, 2018, https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/teens_ptsd.asp.

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