American Osteopathic Association's Annual Convention Addresses Children's Emotional Responses to Violence

10/13/2003

From: Mary Ann M. Pagaduan of the American Osteopathic Association, 504-670-6513/6514; after 5 p.m. CDT, call 800-621-1773 ext. 8040

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 13 -- Speaking at the American Osteopathic Association's 108th Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar, Paramjit T. Joshi, M.D., addressed children's emotional responses to violence, a topic that has received more attention due to recent events such as the war in Iraq and the anniversary of the terrorists' attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.

"Oftentimes children are overlooked when they are victims of violence," stated Dr. Joshi, chief, division of behavioral medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine. Because children who grow up exposed to sustained and prolonged violence are at increased risk for mental disorders, it is important to recognize some of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents. Symptoms include:

-- Bed wetting

-- Bad dreams

-- Refusal to go to school or asking their parents not to go to work

-- Thumb-sucking

-- Loss of appetite

-- Decreased concentration

-- "Clingy" behavior

-- Insomnia

Dr. Joshi explained that intervention programs need to be created for adults and children because children learn about coping skills from their primary caregivers.

The American Osteopathic Association represents more than 52,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) across the country, promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities.