[Between life and death; a case of retrieved sudden death]

J Stork1

  • 1Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychotherapie, Technischen Universität München.

La Psychiatrie De L'Enfant
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

A six-month-old infant experienced recurrent life-threatening events, resolved by a monitor and resuscitation. Psychotherapeutic intervention for the family successfully ended these episodes and improved understanding of infant psychodynamics.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Family Therapy

Background:

  • Recurrent unexplained cardiorespiratory events in infants can be alarming for parents.
  • Early identification and intervention are crucial for infant well-being.

Observation:

  • A six-month-old infant experienced over twenty episodes of apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs).
  • These events required resuscitation, alerted by a cardiorespiratory monitor.

Findings:

  • A 32-session family psychotherapy, including the infant, successfully resolved the ALTEs.
  • The treatment provided insight into infant psychodynamics and psychopathology.

Implications:

  • Family-centered psychotherapy can be effective in managing complex infant medical and psychological issues.
  • Understanding the family's psychodynamics is key to resolving infant distress and cardiorespiratory events.

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