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Traumatic Stress Among Children After Surgical Intervention for Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: A Pilot Study
Amichai Ben-Ari1,2, Daniella Margalit1, Liat Nachshoni1
1Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
Insights
Surgery for congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) can cause significant psychological distress in children. Parental distress and invasive procedures are key risk factors for developing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after CMN removal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Psychological Trauma
- Dermatology
Background:
- Hospitalization and surgery are recognized stressors.
- Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) surgery can be particularly stressful for children.
- The potential for developing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after CMN surgery has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively determine if children undergoing CMN surgery develop PTSS.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with PTSS development in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 30 children undergoing CMN removal surgery was recruited.
- Psychological distress was assessed in children and parents approximately 4 months post-discharge.
- Data collection involved voluntary recruitment and standardized psychological assessments.
Main Results:
- Children showed a significant increase in distress symptoms post-hospitalization compared to baseline.
- A notable 33.3% of children met full diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Invasive procedures, family resources, and parental distress were significant predictors of PTSS, with parental distress being the most impactful.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a high prevalence of PTSS in children and parents following CMN removal surgery.
- There is a critical need for preventative measures and early intervention strategies for psychological distress in this group.
- Addressing parental distress is crucial for mitigating PTSS in children undergoing CMN surgery.
Background:
Hospitalization and surgery are traumatic experiences that can result after traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Surgical interventions for congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) can be very stressful, but their potential for causing PTSS has not been studied. We aim to determine prospectively whether children undergoing surgery for CMN develop PTSS and what are the specific risk factors for such an event.
Objective:
The authors aim to determine prospectively whether children undergoing surgery for CMN develop PTSS and what the specific risk factors for such an event are.
Methods:
Thirty children who were consecutively hospitalized in a pediatric surgery ward for CMN removal during the study period were recruited voluntarily. About 4 months after discharge from the hospital, the children and their parents were assessed for psychological distress.
Results:
At the assessment 4 months after hospitalization, the children displayed a significant increase in symptoms of distress in comparison with baseline levels. Moreover, 33.3% met full post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnostic criteria. The number of invasive procedures, family resources, and parental distress predicted 40% of the variance in PTSS, with parental distress predicting it most significantly.
Conclusion:
The high prevalence of PTSS among children undergoing CMN removal and among their parents emphasizes the importance of actions for prevention and early treatment of psychological distress.
