Summary of the practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

This summary provides an overview of the assessment and treatment recommendations contained in the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Major recommendations include the use of clinical interviewing with specific questioning about posttraumatic stress symptoms to diagnose this disorder; recognition of developmental considerations that may impact on how posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms manifest in children; and the use of trauma-focused treatment interventions. Limitations and controversies regarding the present state of knowledge in the area of childhood posttraumatic stress disorder are also discussed.