GPS on alert for children suffering terror trauma

CHILDREN who watched recent terror attacks on social media could themselves be at risk of post-traumatic stress, health officials are warning.

GPS are being urged to watch out for symptoms which could indicate that patients are struggling emotionally after viewing the atrocities. NHS psychiatric advice recommends a period of “watchful waiting” after major incidents, on the basis that offering immediate counselling can traumatise those who would otherwise have recovered.

But today health officials have written to GPS, warning them that now is a crucial time to look out for patients who are struggling after a wave of attacks, including the Manchester bombing six weeks ago. In particular, GPS have been warned to look out for signs in children – such as shame, or a loss of self-esteem – which might not be obvious, but could indicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

NHS England said patients could suffer symptoms regardless of whether they themselves were caught up in events, given that so many witnessed the atrocities on social media.

Among those directly involved in the attacks, around one in five are expected to seek help from the NHS. But thousands more who watched horrific scenes on social media could also suffer trauma, experts said.

In addition, GPS have been warned that people with pre-existing mental illnesses could be destabilised by the wave of attacks, closely followed by the Grenfell fire.

The letter from Dr Arvind Madan, the head of NHS primary care, asks GPS to work with their communities to identify those in need of support. And it warns GPS to look out for symptoms that could denote a struggle to cope. Such symptoms include flashbacks, agitation, nightmares, palpitations and breathing difficulties

Parents are being urged to look out for more subtle symptoms.

“Children and young people experiencing symptoms that may indicate PTSD might think differently about themselves or others,” the letter warns.

Such signs include lowered self-esteem, self-blame, thinking that they are a bad person or deserve bad things to happen to them, feeling unsafe or showing less trust in other people.

Those suffering trauma might also experience overwhelming shame, sadness or fear or avoid situations that remind them of the event, the letter adds.