The PTSD affects "one in 13 at the age of 18"

Early research of the genre suggests that one in 13 young people in England and Wales has post-traumatic stress disorder at the age of 18.

A study of more than 2,000 young people aged 18 revealed that nearly one-third of them had suffered trauma as children.

And a quarter of them then developed PTSD, which can cause insomnia, flashbacks and a sense of isolation.

The researchers say that, with many young people not getting the support they need, the study should be a "wake up call".

The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, revealed that most people with PTSD – an anxiety disorder caused by highly stressful, scary or distressing events – had also experienced a major depressive episode and that one in five had attempted suicide.

But only the same proportion – one in five – had been seen by a mental health professional in the last year.

Dr. Stephanie Lewis, Senior Researcher at the Medical Research Council, said, "Providing effective treatments early on could prevent mental health problems from continuing into adulthood."

Surgery as a baby "leads to PTSD"

Flo Sharman, 20, had a breakdown at the age of eight which left her confined to the home.

But it was only at the age of 16 that neurologists concluded that the collapse was linked to an event that occurred as a child.

At the age of four months, Flo underwent a life-saving operation to remove parts of his stomach – to treat his severe acid reflux, which affected his ability to breathe.

Because of her condition, she had to be resuscitated several times, Flo said.

Doctors now think that her depression was caused by PTSD, a late reaction to her baby's trauma, even though she has no conscious memory of what happened.

She said: "When I had this surgery that saved my life and my traumatic experiences in the hospital, my parents were not told that you could have post-traumatic stress disorder. traumatic because of the surgery and the time spent in the hospital.

"They did not know this mental collapse would happen, it was a real shock."

Flo still suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which she says is poorly expressed by many people, which only affects members of the armed forces.

"People do not really badociate PTSD with a young child – and that must change," she added.

"Cross the gaps"

Participants in the study were considered to be suffering from PTS only if they had all of the following symptoms for at least one month:

• relive traumatic events through painful memories or nightmares
• avoid anything that reminds them of their trauma
• feelings of guilt, isolation or detachment
• irritability, impulsiveness or difficulty concentrating

Trauma experiences during childhood included an badault, badual badault, injury or event that affected someone she knew but did not directly see.

Professor Andrea Danese, Principal Investigator of the King's College London Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, said: "Our results should serve as an alarm bell.

"Injuries in childhood are a public health problem, yet trauma disorders often go unnoticed.

"Young people with PTSD are filling gaps in care and there is an urgent need to improve access to mental health services."

What is PTSD?

• Being caught in a traumatic event that is overwhelming, scary and life threatening can lead to PTSD
• The symptoms usually begin a few weeks after the trauma, but they can manifest later.
• After the traumatic event, people may feel grieved, depressed, anxious, guilty and angry
• People can have flashbacks and nightmares
• People can be on their guard – stay alert all the time
• Physical symptoms can be aches and pains, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, headaches, feelings of panic and fear, depression.
• People can start drinking too much alcohol or using drugs (including painkillers)

Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists

Professor Danese said that the results of the study should not "alarm" people and that it was normal to present psychological symptoms after trauma.

In the "vast majority of cases, these symptoms will disappear in a few days or weeks," he said.

But if children and young people have them for more than a month, parents should seek the help of their doctor.

The PTSD can be treated successfully – even if it develops many years after a traumatic event – with treatments including speech therapies and antidepressants.

Dr. Tim Dalgleish, of the University of Cambridge, who did not participate in the research, said the results of the "historical study" were "to reflect".

"The relatively low proportion of young people with access to official support services or mental health services is of particular concern, and the results of this survey are another source of concern: the provision of services in the United Kingdom for traumatized children and adolescents is unfortunately inadequate, "he said.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs said: "The NHS Long-Term Plan is committed to prioritizing increased funding for child and youth mental health services faster than any other financing.

"As a result, 345,000 more children and youth have access to mental health services and support in schools and colleges, young adults will receive better support until age 25 and up." emergency care will be provided by the NHS 111 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "

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