September 6, 2005 -- AAP Releases Guide for Protecting Children from Effects of Disaster

In light of hurricane Katrina, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) September 2 released a report that had been scheduled for later this week, “Psychosocial Implications of Disaster or Terrorism on Children: A Guide for Pediatricians.” Parents and caregivers may not recognize or address the anxiety, fear, and depression of children and adolescents following a disaster, the report cautions, and health care professionals should be alert to symptoms that may include aggressive and violent behaviors or anxiety and mood changes. The report suggests that pediatricians should “initiate discussions with these children on their thoughts regarding the recent disaster.” “Not asking a child what he or she thinks risks suggesting that the disaster is so bad that it cannot be talked about or managed.” The report notes that children who are psychologically distressed or showing signs of posttraumatic stress disorder should immediately be referred to appropriate mental health services. The full text of the report is available at http://www.aap.org.