The Biopsychosocial Impact of Trauma on Children and Adolescents: Suggestions for Assessment and Treatment in the Jamaican Context: Trauma, Assessment, Adolescents and Children

: This study examines the bio-psychosocial impact of trauma on adolescents and children. It also looks at assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders especially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in these groups. I reviewed the literature about the different treatments which are provided for children and adolescents and highlighted the use of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for adolescents, which are described as the two most-efficacious treatments for the disorders above. The available literature showed that certain genetic traits in some children and adolescents as well as secure-attachment within certain environments can serve to stave off some of the effects of child and adolescent maltreatment. Finally, I noted the challenges that beset providing adequate treatments for adolescents and children namely the paucity of therapists who are trained to provide evidence-based therapy for maltreated children and adolescents.