Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children after paediatric intensive care treatment compared to children who survived a major fire disaster

Abstract

BackgroundThe goals were to determine the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children after paediatric intensive care treatment, to identify risk factors for PTSD, and to compare this data with data from a major fire disaster in the Netherlands.MethodsChildren completed the Dutch Children's Responses to Trauma Inventory at three and nine months after discharge from the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Comparison data were available from 355 children survivors who completed the same questionnaire 10 months after a major fire disaster.ResultsThirty-six children aged eight to 17 years completed questionnaires at three month follow-up, nine month follow-up, or both. More than one third (34.5%) of the children had subclinical PTSD, while 13.8% were likely to meet criteria for PTSD. Maternal PTSD was the strongest predictor for child PTSD. There were no significant differences in (subclinical) PTSD symptoms either over time or compared to symptoms of survivors from the fire disaster.ConclusionThis study shows that a considerable number of children have persistent PTSD after PICU treatment. Prevention of PTSD is important to minimize the profound adverse effects that PTSD can have on children's well-being and future development.

Neuropsychologic Function Three to Six Months Following Admission to the PICU With Meningoencephalitis, Sepsis, and Other Disorders

“…Post-traumatic stress symptoms have been reported following critical illness (5,6,10,11), with studies indicating that the presence of PTSD symptoms are linked to worse cognitive performance, particularly executive function and attention (36,37). Thus, it would be appropriate for further study to explore whether neuropsychological deficits are mediated by post-traumatic stress disorder following PICU admission.…”

“…Studies have examined quality of life, functional and physical health, and psychiatric adjustment, demonstrating considerable morbidity (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11).…”

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in children and adolescents with subthreshold PTSD after medically related trauma: design of a randomized controlled trial

“…If symptoms are disturbing and persistent, children may even develop a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). About one in every 10 children develops PTSD due to hospital admission and medical procedures (Bronner, Knoester, Bos, Last, & Grootenhuis, 2008). Some children fail to meet all criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, but still suffer from similar impairments (Carrion, Weems, Ray, & Reiss, 2002; Price, Kassam-Adams, Alderfer, Christofferson, & Kazak, 2016; Zhang, Ross, & Davidson, 2004).…”

Hearing the Child's Voice: Their Lived Experience in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

“…Children also may appear frozen, detached, or unresponsive and may exhibit decreased awareness of their surroundings with early trauma responses (Scheeringa, Zeanah, & Cohen, 2011). Research indicates many children continue to experience significant PTS as long as 9 months past discharge (Bronner, Knoester, Bos, Last, & Grootenhuis, 2008;Rennick et al, 2002).…”

“…Children also may appear frozen, detached, or unresponsive and may exhibit decreased awareness of their surroundings with early trauma responses (Scheeringa et al, 2011). Research indicates many children continue to experience significant PTS long past discharge (Bronner et al, 2008;Rennick et al, 2002). Data collected at the preoperative visit (1 to 3 days before surgery) included medical, social, and psychiatric histories, cognitive assessment using child report on the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM), temperament assessment on the School-Age Temperament Inventory, family support assessment n the Family Apgar measuring family support and functioning: adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve and PTSD screening.…”