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Selective mutism due to a dog bite trauma in a 4-year-old girl: a case report
Dimitrios Anyfantakis1, Emmanouil Botzakis, Evangelos Mplevrakis
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Insights
Dog bites can cause significant psychological distress in children, including selective mutism and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early recognition of these reactions is crucial for effective management in pediatric trauma cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Trauma Care
- Public Health
Background:
- Dog bites are a significant public health concern, frequently causing physical trauma in children.
- Children exposed to traumatic events, such as dog bites, are at risk for considerable post-traumatic psychological distress.
- Healthcare providers managing pediatric trauma may overlook the potential for psychological stress following physical injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the psychological impact of dog bites on children.
- To emphasize the need for increased awareness among parents and physicians regarding post-traumatic reactions.
- To advocate for early detection and management of psychological distress in children following dog bites.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 4-year-old girl with a dog-bite related trauma.
- Detailed description of the patient's surgical repair and antibiotic therapy.
- Documentation of the onset of selective mutism and acute post-traumatic stress disorder following the traumatic event.
Main Results:
- The child developed selective mutism and acute post-traumatic stress disorder after the dog bite incident.
- The case illustrates an unusual psychological response to physical trauma in a pediatric patient.
- The psychological sequelae underscore the importance of considering mental health in physical trauma management.
Conclusions:
- Limited literature exists on the psychological effects of dog bites in children.
- Increased familiarity with post-traumatic behavioral reactions is needed for parents and physicians.
- Early detection and effective management strategies are essential for children at risk of psychological distress after trauma.
Introduction:
A child experiencing an event of threatening or catastrophic nature may experience considerable post-traumatic psychological distress. Dog bites present an important public health problem and are a frequent cause of physical trauma in children. Physicians who manage paediatric trauma may not be vigilant of the high risk of psychological stress in children exposed to a physical injury.
Case Presentation:
A 4-year-old white girl of Greek origin, with a dog-bite related trauma was admitted to the University Hospital of Crete, Greece, for surgical repair and intravenous antibiotic therapy due to extensive lesions. Exposure to the traumatic event triggered the onset of an unusual psychological response, selective mutism and acute post-traumatic stress disorder.
Conclusion:
There is limited literature discussing the psychological effect of dog bites in children. Parents and physicians involved in pediatric physical trauma need to be more familiar with post-traumatic behavioral reactions. Awareness of the potential development of such reactions may result in early detection and effective management of children at risk.