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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

[Stress disorder in parents of premature neonates--secondary publication]

Ask Elklit1, Tilde Hartvig, Marianne Christiansen

  • 1Psykologisk Institut, Aarhus Universitet, DK-8000 Arhus C. aske@psy.au.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|November 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Parents of premature infants experienced significant psychological distress, with 20% developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Child handicap and hospital experiences were key factors contributing to parental traumatization.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Neonatal care
  • Parental mental health

Context:

  • Premature neonates (mean birth weight 842 grams) require intensive care.
  • Parental psychological well-being is often overlooked in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the psychological sequelae in parents of premature neonates.
  • To identify factors contributing to parental traumatization.

Summary:

  • 35% of parents reported their premature infant had a handicap.
  • 20% of mothers met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with an additional 10% showing subclinical PTSD.
  • Parental distress was linked to child's handicap, hospitalization, staff interactions, homecoming, and coping mechanisms, explaining 72% of traumatization.

Impact:

  • Highlights the significant psychological burden on parents of premature infants.
  • Informs the development of targeted support interventions for this vulnerable population.
  • Emphasizes the need for integrated mental health care within neonatal services.

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