Trauma-Informed Care for Hospitalized Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose of Review Exposure to trauma accelerates during the adolescence, and due to increased behavioral and psychiatric vulnerability during this developmental period, traumatic events during this time are more likely to cause a lasting impact. In this article, we use three case studies of hospitalized adolescents to illustrate the application of trauma-informed principles of care with this unique population. Recent Findings Adolescents today are caught in the crosshairs of two syndemics—racism and other structural inequities and the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased hospitalizations and mental health diagnoses during the past two years signal toxic levels of stress affecting this group. Trauma-informed care promotes health, healing, and equity. Summary This concept of the “trauma-informed approach” is still novel; through examples and practice, providers can learn to universally apply the trauma-informed care framework to every patient encounter to address the harmful effects of trauma and promote recovery and resilience.

The Therapeutic Aspects of Embroidery in Art Therapy from the Perspective of Adolescent Girls in a Post-Hospitalization Boarding School

“…Adolescents who have been hospitalized for mental health issues often have a history of traumatic experiences [ 66 ]). In addition, the hospitalization process itself can be a complex event that leads to a feeling of vulnerability and loss of control [ 67 ]. In light of this, the “stitch in time” theme can also provide insight into the trauma recovery process.…”

“…However, the separation from home, the new rigid structure and strict rules, and the encounters with others who are going through similar experiences can increase the number of challenges that adolescents with a traumatic background have to cope with [ 66 ]. Moreover, the programs and even hospitalization itself can be traumatic [ 67 , 68 ]. Therefore, when providing mental health care to this vulnerable population, it is crucial to take these factors into consideration and tailor therapeutic approaches accordingly.…”

How COVID-19 Phases Have Impacted Psychiatric Risk: A Retrospective Study in an Emergency Care Unit for Adolescents

“…This can severely affect parenting and—in the worst cases—erupt in physical and psychological violence withing families [ 5 , 12 , 13 ]. Fegert et al [ 5 ] stressed the unmet need for evidence-based interventions aimed at improving adolescents’ resilience in regards to external contingencies and interpersonal coping skills, as well as parents’ skills in detecting their own offspring’s risk factors of uneasiness The training of clinicians and the implementation of psychiatric services according to a “trauma-informed-care” approach may be crucial for a timely and effective evaluation and treatment, especially during acute psychiatric hospitalizations [ 38 ]. Some principles of this approach (i.e., reduce re-traumatization, support the development of specific skills and healthy short- and long-term coping mechanisms) may further improve treatment strategies and promote new organizational models of highly competent and specialized psychiatric emergency services.…”