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Traumatic Loss in Children and Adolescents

  • Interpersonal Traumatic Events
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Abstract

Although different types of childhood trauma have many common characteristics and mental health outcomes, traumatic loss in children and adolescents has a number of distinctive features. Most importantly, youth who experience a traumatic loss may develop childhood traumatic grief (CTG), which is the encroachment of trauma symptoms on the grieving process and prevents the child from negotiating the typical steps associated with normal bereavement. This article discusses the distinctive features of CTG, how it is different from normal bereavement, how this condition is assessed, and promising treatments for children who experience a traumatic loss.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Allegheny General Hospital, Four Allegheny Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA

    Anthony P. Mannarino & Judith A. Cohen

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  1. Anthony P. Mannarino
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  2. Judith A. Cohen
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Mannarino, A.P., Cohen, J.A. Traumatic Loss in Children and Adolescents. Journ Child Adol Trauma 4, 22–33 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1080/19361521.2011.545048

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