Even minor physical trauma can lead to significant psychological difficulties in children and adolescents, which are often overlooked. Their immediate reactions include behavioural, emotional and cognitive difficulties. Their thinking about the world can be disrupted, leading to further problems. Initial reactions can have a further knock-on effect, with significant consequences sometimes leading to an impact upon their adult personality. Major disaster plans should include a psychosocial aspect. Immediately following trauma, children should be re-united with their carers or a familiar adult as soon as possible. They should be offered an age-appropriate, careful, explanation of what has happened to them and what their treatment involves. Routine screening for psychological problems may help to prevent chronic psychological sequelae. Various treatments are available for psychological problems that persist.
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