A new study says that stressful events affect boys and girls differently. Girls could suffer more after traumatic events and be more likely to get post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Girls and boys should be treated differently for PTSD. The lead researcher said: "It is possible that boys and girls could [have] different trauma symptoms and that they might benefit from different approaches to treatment."
The research was on a part of the brain called the insula. A smaller insula means PTSD is more likely. Researchers said the insula was very small in girls and larger than usual in boys who had experienced trauma. PTSD is a mental disorder that can develop after traumatic events. Sexual assault, war, traffic accidents, or life-threatening experiences can lead to PTSD. Symptoms may include scary or suicidal thoughts, nightmares, and changes in mood.
