Terrorism, Trauma and Children.

BACKGROUND

Terrorist attacks, armed conflict and all forms of catastrophe, tax our ability to cope, understand and respond to the situation. Children are more vulnerable.

MATERIAL & METHOD: 16 children, victims of a terrorist attack in an army residential camp were managed for their physical injuries and evaluated for psychological trauma.

RESULTS

All patients recovered from physical injuries, except one baby of two months, who died due to severe chest trauma. 5 children presented with Acute Stress Reaction. 3 recovered well and two, showed persistent poor scholastic performance even after one year.

CONCLUSION

A terrorist attack, not only results in physiscal scars but also causes psychological trauma, which requires emotional support and needs to be followed up on a long term basis.