Abstract

Children are exposed to trauma, and when they experience severe trauma as violence, sexual abuse, accidents or natural disasters they may develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Different issues about this disorder in children are reviewed. Its definition, current diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10), prevalence and course, clinical presentation including clinical cases, mediating factors, etiology and treatments that include individual psychotherapy, group and family therapy and pharmacotherapy are discussed