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Posttraumatic stress in children following acute physical injury

J Aaron1, H Zaglul, R E Emery

  • 1Children's Medical Center, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22903, USA. jda4e@virginia.edu

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|August 4, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Many children hospitalized for physical injuries develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Factors like thought suppression and fear during the event correlate with increased PTSD symptoms, suggesting a need for psychological support.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Trauma Studies
  • Child Psychiatry

Background:

  • Hospitalization for acute physical injury can be a traumatic event for children.
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a potential consequence of trauma exposure.
  • Understanding the incidence and risk factors for pediatric PTSD is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children after hospitalization for physical injury.
  • To identify the incidence of PTSD and its symptoms in this population.
  • To explore factors associated with the development of PTSD symptoms and disorder.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 40 children aged 8-17 hospitalized for serious physical injury.
  • Interviews were conducted approximately one month post-injury.
  • Assessments included diagnostic criteria for PTSD, pretrauma behavior problems, peritraumatic fear, and posttraumatic thought suppression.

Main Results:

  • 22.5% of participants met diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
  • 47.5% exhibited symptoms across at least two of the three PTSD symptom clusters.
  • Increased thought suppression, peritraumatic fear, and pretrauma internalizing behaviors were linked to greater PTSD symptomatology.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of children hospitalized for physical trauma experience clinically significant PTSD symptoms.
  • These findings highlight the potential benefit of integrating psychological interventions alongside medical care for pediatric trauma survivors.
  • Early identification and support for PTSD symptoms in children are essential for recovery.
Abstract

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