Research suggests that which age group may exhibit different PTSD symptoms following trauma?

Children are noted to exhibit different PTSD symptoms following trauma due to their developmental stage and cognitive maturity. Unlike adults, who may have a well-formed understanding of traumatic events and their implications, children are still in the process of developing coping mechanisms and an understanding of their emotions. Consequently, they may display symptoms such as regression in behavior, excessive fears, or problems with separation, which can be distinct from the symptoms commonly observed in adults or older individuals. Their way of processing trauma may also manifest through play or drawing rather than verbal expression, making their PTSD symptoms different in nature and expression. This divergence in symptomatology is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of taking age into account when addressing trauma-related issues.