Post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents following road traffic accidents
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a persistent and disabling psychiatric disorder. There is little systematic research into the psychiatric consequences of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in children and adolescents. A consecutive sample of 8-16-year-olds attending an accident and emergency...
Saved in:
Published in | British journal of psychiatry Vol. 172; no. 5; pp. 443 - 447 |
---|---|
Main Authors | , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
England
Cambridge University Press
01.05.1998
|
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
Cover
Loading…
Summary: | Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a persistent and disabling psychiatric disorder. There is little systematic research into the psychiatric consequences of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in children and adolescents.
A consecutive sample of 8-16-year-olds attending an accident and emergency department following RTAs were screened for PTSD. Potential cases and their parent(s) were interviewed with semi-structured research instruments about six weeks and six months after the accident.
Fifty-three (45%) of the 119 subjects fell above PTSD cut-off on the Frederick's Reaction Index. Thirty-three (75%) of the 44 cases met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. In half of these other psychiatric disorders were present, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Being female, involvement in car accidents and pre-existing depression and anxiety were associated with developing PTSD. Seventeen per cent of the sample continued to be symptomatic six months after the accident.
PTSD is a common consequence of RTAs. Liaison with accident and emergency departments would enhance the early detection and follow-up of children at risk of developing PTSD. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 0007-1250 1472-1465 |
DOI: | 10.1192/bjp.172.5.443 |