Symptoms:
Sleep difficulties: Frequent waking, nightmares, fear of falling asleep
Somatic complaints: Headaches, stomach aches, aches and pains with no clear medical cause
Increased aggressive behavior: angry outbursts
Increased activity level
Hypervigilance: Worries, fears, overreaction to loud noises or sudden movements
Regression: Loss of skills learned at an earlier age, “babyish” behavior
Withdrawal: Loss of interest in friends, school, or other activities the child used to enjoy
Numbing: Showing no feelings at all, not bothered by anything Nine-year-old
Increased separation anxiety: Refuses to go to school, very upset when left with babysitter or child care provider
Distractibility: Has trouble concentrating at school or home
Changes in play: Repeatedly acts out or recreates violent events in play, less able to play spontaneously and creatively