Posttraumatic stress symptoms in parents of children with cancer within six months of diagnosis.

Abstract

Objective To investigate levels and correlates of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in mothers and fathers of children and youth with cancer. Methods Mothers (n = 191) and fathers (n = 95), representing 195 families of children and youth with cancer, completed measures of PTSS (Impact of Event Scale-Revised), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory) between 2 and 22 weeks after their child's cancer diagnosis or recurrence of initial diagnosis. Results Substantial subgroups of mothers (41%) and fathers (30%) reported levels of PTSS that exceeded cut-offs for elevated symptoms, and these subgroups of parents were characterized by heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Fathers of children and youth treated for relapse reported higher rates of elevated PTSS than fathers of children and youth treated for first-time diagnosis, but mothers' rates were similar. Mothers and fathers reported comparable mean levels of PTSS that were strongly positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. PTSS and other symptoms of distress were negatively related to education level for fathers. Conclusion These findings provide additional evidence that mothers and fathers experience substantial PTSS near the time of their child or adolescent's cancer diagnosis during the first 6 months of treatment. Results suggest that PTSS may be part of a broader pattern of emotional distress and that a substantial portion of both mothers and fathers of children and youth with cancer may be in need of supportive mental health services within the first 6 months of their child's diagnosis.

Having a child with cancer: African mothers' perspective

“…This was consistent with literature that stated it was normal to experience feelings of guilt, anger and fear when your child was diagnosed with a life threatening condition 12 . It was noted that the guilt experienced by the mothers was predominantly in response to their role changes to both the sick child, as well as their "healthy" children at home.…”

Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Mediational Analysis

“…Consistent with Dunn et al [4], a substantial percentage of parents (36%) had PTSS scores ≥34. This level is despite the fact that children with relapse were not included and PTSS was measured much later in treatment.…”

“…The present study extends Dunn et al [4] and other research on PTSS among parents of pediatric cancer patients [6] in two ways. First, Dunn et al assessed anxiety and depression concurrently with PTSS; the present study assessed anxiety and depression up to 7 months before assessing PTSS and investigated whether parents’ subsequent PTSS was correlated with parents’ baseline anxiety and/ or depression.…”

“…For example, Stuber et al [2] reported that 39% of mothers and 33% of fathers of pediatric cancer survivors reported symptoms consistent with severe posttraumatic stress (PTSS). Using cutoff scores suggested by Rash et al [3], Dunn et al [4] reported similar levels of PTSS among parents whose children were within 6 months of diagnosis. Although it is not clear whether scores above these cutoffs actually represent posttraumatic stress disorder [5], parents of pediatric cancer patients are likely at risk for ongoing elevated distress.…”

“…Although it is not clear whether scores above these cutoffs actually represent posttraumatic stress disorder [5], parents of pediatric cancer patients are likely at risk for ongoing elevated distress. Dunn et al [4] found a positive relationship between parents’ current levels of anxiety and depression and PTSS and concluded “PTSS may be part of a broader pattern of emotional distress (experienced by) a substantial portion of mothers and fathers of children and youth with cancer...” (p. 176).…”