You are working with a 6-year-old who has been in a series of foster homes since she was 3 months old. She has never stayed in one home for more than 1 year. Therefore, she has not had a stable attachment figure. This has resulted in an impairment in the foster parent effectively soothing and stimulating the child. Her teacher reports that at times this child is hyperaroused and other times withdrawn. You decide your best approach is to work with the teacher and the foster parents on how to create a predictable environment and work with the child to identify triggers, allowing her to practice managing these triggers in the safe environment of your therapy sessions. Which childhood psychiatric condition does this best represent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario best represents Developmental Trauma Disorder, which is a diagnosis given to children who have experienced repeated and/or prolonged trauma in their early developmental years. The lack of a stable attachment figure and the resulting difficulties with regulation and social interaction are characteristic of this disorder. The approach of creating a predictable environment and working with the child to identify triggers aligns with the recommended treatment for DTD.

You Are Working with a 6-Year-Old Who Has Been in a Series