From symptom to diagnosis: Gap between clinical observations and PTSD recognition in child protection.
94% of child protection case files showed significant post-traumatic stress disorder symptom indicators, yet none diagnosed
From symptom to diagnosis: Gap between clinical observations and PTSD recognition in child protection.
In France, approximately 381,000 minors receive Child Welfare Services (Aide Sociale à l'Enfance, ASE) measures, a population highly exposed to early adversities.
To assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and complex trauma indicators through systematic analysis of educational case files of adolescents in child protection services.
Retrospective analysis of 50 case files (mean age: 16.7 years) followed by ASE/PJJ between June 2021 and October 2022.
Criteria D and E were particularly over-represented.
Analysis according to Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified confirmed the complex nature of the trauma.
All participants had experienced criminally characterized violence, but only 29.7% of incidents had led to a report.
All (100%) of the 100 professionals who received psychotrauma awareness training expressed a need for in-depth training.
This study reveals a paradox: a massive prevalence of traumatic indicators (94%) finely described by professionals but not identified as post-traumatic stress disorder, due to lack of specific training.
These results underscore the need to integrate systematic psychotrauma screening and social worker training into child protection services.