Stress and reactions to stress in children

This article describes the ways in which our minds and bodies are adapted to respond to stress and danger, and the ways in which this can be applied to children. Young children respond differently from adults and the exact nature of a child’s response is determined by their developmental stage, the circumstances surrounding the stressful experience, and the support subsequently available. The immediate and longer-term effects of severely stressful experience are outlined and the importance of family and other environmental factors is highlighted. Stress and trauma can cause significant and sometimes long-lasting mental health problems. Identification of children at risk and provision of effective treatment can do much to prevent these difficulties. This article gives basic principles for a thorough assessment, as well as how to plan effective treatment.