Post-trauma mental health in children and adolescents: phenomenology, aetiology and treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT With global challenges including major international conflicts and increasing climate-linked disasters, children and young people remain vulnerable to experiencing traumatic events that have the potential to disrupt lifelong health and wellbeing. Understanding the presentation, causal underpinnings and interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-linked disorders in this group remains of critical importance. Despite this, research on child and adolescent PTSD has historically lagged behind that of adult populations. To address critical gaps in knowledge, this special issue sought to advance understanding in this area, with particular emphasis on evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where trauma-related risk factors are often elevated yet evidence is more limited. The resultant collection brings together 23 papers published in EJPT between 2024 and 2025, focused on child and youth trauma-related mental health, particularly PTSD. We included 19 original articles, three reviews and a letter to the editor, comprising direct submissions to the special issue and other relevant articles submitted to the journal during the special issue window. Accepted articles examined: the measurement and phenomenology of trauma-related mental health, mechanistic underpinnings, and approaches to intervention. Overall, these articles highlight the depth and breadth of research on child and youth PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, as well the continuing need for sustained attention to the populations most at risk of this disorder globally. Key recommendations for future research in this area are discussed.