Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm
06:35

Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm

Published on: April 28, 2016

Children's factual and delusional memories of intensive care

Gillian Colville1, Sally Kerry, Christine Pierce

  • 1Pediatric Psychology Service, St. George's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. gcolvill@sgul.ac.uk

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Delusional memories in children after intensive care are linked to medication duration and increased post-traumatic stress risk. Factual memories were not associated with distress, highlighting the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Intensive Care
  • Trauma Psychology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Delusional memories are linked to post-traumatic stress in adult intensive care survivors.
  • Understanding this association in pediatric populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between delusional memories and post-traumatic stress in children following pediatric intensive care.
  • To examine the association between factual memories and distress in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • 102 children (7-17 years) were interviewed 3 months post-discharge from a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
  • Measures included the ICU Memory Tool and a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) screening tool.
  • Data analyzed for associations between memory types, medication use, and PTSD scores.

Main Results:

  • 63% of children reported factual memories; 32% reported delusional memories.
  • Longer opiate/benzodiazepine use correlated with delusional memories (OR 4.98, P=0.023).
  • Delusional memories were associated with higher post-traumatic stress scores (adjusted difference 3.0, P=0.045).

Conclusions:

  • Delusional memories affect nearly one-third of pediatric intensive care survivors.
  • These memories are linked to sedative/analgesic duration and increased PTSD risk.
  • Further research is warranted on delusional memories and risk factors in pediatric intensive care patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) Task: A Simple Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate False Memories in the Laboratory07:26

The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) Task: A Simple Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate False Memories in the Laboratory

Published on: January 31, 2017

Using a Classroom-Based Deese Roediger McDermott Paradigm to Assess the Effects of Imagery on False Memories08:53

Using a Classroom-Based Deese Roediger McDermott Paradigm to Assess the Effects of Imagery on False Memories

Published on: November 14, 2018

Related Concept Videos

False Memories01:18

False Memories

False memories represent a cognitive distortion in which individuals recall events that did not happen, or remember them in an altered form. This phenomenon highlights the brain's constructive nature in processing and recalling memories, emphasizing that memory is not a perfect representation of past events but rather a dynamic reconstruction influenced by various factors.
One primary source of false memories is misattribution, where individuals incorrectly associate external information with...
Traumatic Memory01:20

Traumatic Memory

Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual remembers mundane...
Autobiographical Memory01:14

Autobiographical Memory

Autobiographical memory is a unique type of episodic memory that involves recollecting personal life experiences. It allows individuals to remember significant events from their past, creating a narrative of their lives. One interesting phenomenon related to autobiographical memory is the reminiscence bump. This effect refers to the tendency of adults to recall more events from their second and third decades of life — typically between ages 10 to 30 — than from other periods. This period is...
Repressed Memory01:16

Repressed Memory

Repressed memories are a psychological phenomenon where memories of traumatic events are unconsciously blocked from a person's awareness. This process occurs as a defense mechanism, protecting the mind from the emotional impact of distressing or painful experiences. For example, a person who has experienced childhood trauma may grow up with no conscious recollection of the event. In such cases, the memories are thought to be buried deep within the subconscious, inaccessible to the conscious...
Flashbulb Memory01:16

Flashbulb Memory

A flashbulb memory is a highly vivid and detailed memory, often linked to events of significant emotional impact. These memories stand out in contrast to everyday memories due to their clarity and the precision with which they are recalled. The strong emotions associated with the event act as a catalyst, ensuring that specific details, such as one's location, actions, and even peripheral elements, are etched into memory with remarkable accuracy. For example, many people can vividly recall where...
Implicit Memories01:24

Implicit Memories

Implicit memories, also known as non-declarative memories, are long-term memories that function outside of conscious awareness. These memories influence behavior and skills without explicit knowledge. This type of memory is evident in tasks like playing tennis, snowboarding, and texting. Implicit memory has three subsystems: procedural memory, conditioning, and priming. This type of memory is essential in various activities, from everyday tasks to specialized skills.
One key aspect of implicit...