title: Indicated and selective preventive interventions.
abstract: Exposure to traumatic events places children at risk for developing distressing, significant emotional reactions such as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). These reactions also affect long-term functional outcomes. Research on identified and potential risk factors for the development of significant, persistent PTSS is under way. Evidence for preventive interventions is in its infancy but progressing. Family-centered interventions comprising education about emotional reactions to traumatic events and focusing on communication between children and parents show promising results. Only morphine has shown sufficient evidence as a pharmacologic intervention in children. Additional research is necessary to support the establishment of gold-standard preventive practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Meghan L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Marsac
authors.affiliation: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 109 Williams Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA.
authors.forename: Katharine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Donlon
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: steven.berkowitz@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Berkowitz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008016:Life Change Events; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control*
keywords: Child trauma; Posttraumatic stress; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Preventive interventions