What type of behaviors may a child with PTSD exhibit according to the diagnostic criteria?

A child with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) may exhibit behaviors such as social withdrawal and irritability. These behavioral patterns are rooted in the child's response to traumatic events, which can lead to emotional and psychological challenges. Social withdrawal manifests as a disengagement from peers and activities that were once enjoyable, often due to feelings of fear, anxiety, or a lack of safety. Irritability may be expressed through mood swings, anger outbursts, or an inability to cope with frustration, reflecting the child's heightened emotional distress as a result of the traumatic experience.

Increased academic performance, heightened curiosity, and an overly outgoing personality do not align with the common behaviors associated with PTSD in children. Typically, PTSD leads to challenges in concentration and learning, rather than improved academic outcomes. Curiosity about the world may decrease due to fear or avoidance related to the trauma. An overly outgoing personality may suggest comfort and social connectivity, which is often not present in children dealing with the symptoms of PTSD, as they may instead feel isolated or anxious in social situations. Therefore, understanding the characteristic symptoms of PTSD in children revolves around recognizing the importance of withdrawal and irritability as appropriate responses to their traumatic experiences.