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Gkintoni E, Kourkoutas E, Yotsidi V, Stavrou PD, Prinianaki D. Clinical Efficacy of Psychotherapeutic Interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Analysis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:579. [PMID: 38790574 PMCID: PMC11119036 DOI: 10.3390/children11050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background: This systematic review aggregates research on psychotherapeutic interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. PTSD in this demographic presents differently from adults, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches. In children and adolescents, PTSD arises from exposure to severe danger, interpersonal violence, or abuse, leading to significant behavioral and emotional disturbances that jeopardize long-term development. The review focuses on describing PTSD within two age groups, children (6 to 12 years) and adolescents (12 to 18 years), while evaluating the effectiveness of various clinical interventions aimed at this condition. Methods: Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, this review systematically examines studies that assess clinical interventions for PTSD in the younger population. Results: Key symptoms of PTSD in children and adolescents include avoidance, overstimulation, flashbacks, depression, and anxiety. The review identifies several effective treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Systemic Therapy, Play Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Particularly, TF-CBT is highlighted as the most effective and commonly used method in treating childhood and adolescent PTSD, as supported by most of the studies reviewed. Conclusions: A significant outcome of this study is the short-term effectiveness of CBT in reducing PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents. The findings underline the importance of psychotherapeutic interventions and mark a substantial advancement in understanding PTSD in young populations. It is crucial for practitioners to integrate various psychotherapeutic strategies into their practice to improve patient outcomes and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Gkintoni
- Department of Psychiatry, University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Elias Kourkoutas
- Department of Primary Education, Research Center for the Humanities, Social and Education Sciences, University of Crete, 74100 Rethymno, Greece;
| | - Vasiliki Yotsidi
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University, 17671 Athens, Greece;
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Ertl MM, Trapp SK, Alzueta E, Baker FC, Perrin PB, Caffarra S, Yüksel D, Ramos-Usuga D, Arango-Lasprilla JC. Trauma-Related Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic In 59 Countries. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2022; 50:306-334. [PMID: 37636332 PMCID: PMC10457097 DOI: 10.1177/00110000211068112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life like few other events in modern history, with differential impacts on varying population groups. This study examined trauma-related distress among 6,882 adults ages 18 to 94 years old in 59 countries during April to May 2020. More than two-thirds of participants reported clinically significant trauma-related distress. Increased distress was associated with unemployment; identifying as transgender, nonbinary, or a cisgender woman; being from a higher income country; current symptoms and positive diagnosis of COVID-19; death of a loved one; restrictive government-imposed isolation; financial difficulties; and food insecurity. Other factors associated with distress included working with potentially infected individuals, care needs at home, a difficult transition to working from home, conflict in the home, separation from loved ones, and event restrictions. Latin American and Caribbean participants reported more trauma-related distress than participants from Europe and Central Asia. Findings inform treatment efforts and highlight the need to address trauma-related distress to avoid long-term mental health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M. Ertl
- University at Albany-State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA
| | | | - Elisabet Alzueta
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paul B. Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sendy Caffarra
- Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
- Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | | | - Daniela Ramos-Usuga
- BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- BioCruces Health Research Institute, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
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Ovenstad KS, Jensen TK, Ormhaug SM. Four perspectives on traumatized youths' therapeutic alliance: Correspondence and outcome predictions. Psychother Res 2021; 32:820-832. [PMID: 34893017 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2021.2011983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Does the rater-perspective of youths' therapeutic alliance matter? To answer this, we evaluated the relationships between four perspectives of youths' alliance, then, we examined whether each perspective and potential discordance between the perspectives predicted outcomes. METHOD Participants were 65 youth (M age = 15.11, SD = 2.14; 76.9% girls) undergoing trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and their therapists (n = 24). Youths' alliance was rated by youth, therapists and parents using the Therapeutic Alliance Scale for Children-revised and by observers using the Therapy Process Observational Coding System-Alliance scale. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) were assessed with the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS) and the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA). RESULTS The alliance ratings by youth-parent, parent-therapist, and therapist-observer significantly correlated. Only a higher youth-rated alliance significantly predicted fewer PTSS. Furthermore, a higher therapist-rated than youth-rated alliance significantly predicted higher scores on CPSS and CAPS-CA, and a higher parent-rated than youth-rated alliance predicted significantly higher CPSS score. CONCLUSION Therapists should explicitly check in with youth clients about the alliance; because only youths' evaluation of their alliance predicted the outcome and an overestimation of their alliance by therapists and parents predicted more PTSS.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00635752..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristianne S Ovenstad
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tine K Jensen
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje M Ormhaug
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Kolakowsky-Hayner SA, Goldin Y, Kingsley K, Alzueta E, Arango-Lasprilla JC, Perrin PB, Baker FC, Ramos-Usuga D, Constantinidou F. Psychosocial Impacts of the COVID-19 Quarantine: A Study of Gender Differences in 59 Countries. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:789. [PMID: 34440995 PMCID: PMC8400641 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57080789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: There is strong evidence in the literature that women experience psychological disorders at significantly higher rates than men. The higher rates of psychological disorders in women may partly be attributable to gender differences in response to stressors and coping styles. The objective of this study was to contribute to the growing body of literature investigating gender differences in mental health outcomes and coping styles during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in a large sample of individuals from 59 countries with variable demographic and socio-cultural characteristics. Materials and Methods: Survey data were collected from the general population following a snowball sampling method, and the survey was promoted through social media platforms and mailing lists. Participants included 6882 individuals from the general population from 59 countries around the world. A combination of both standardized and adapted measures was used to create a survey, originally in English and then translated to Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Turkish. Results: Compared with men, women presented with higher levels of trauma-related distress; had a harder time decompressing; were more depressed, anxious and stressed; showed decreased frustration tolerance and reported lower quality of sleep and an increased likelihood of taking sleep medication or other natural sleep remedies. Overall, women tended to be more vulnerable during the pandemic in developing symptoms consistent with various forms of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic distress. However, they also were more likely than men to use a variety of adaptive coping strategies, including concentrating on doing something about the situation and getting emotional support from others. Conclusions: A high prevalence of mood symptoms was noted among women. In addition to meeting the physical health needs of the population, emphasis needs to be given to mental health and the prevention of psychiatric disorders, particularly in women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yelena Goldin
- JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Edison, NJ 08820, USA;
| | - Kristine Kingsley
- Institute of Cognitive and Emotional Wellness, Westchester, NY 10801, USA;
| | - Elisabet Alzueta
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (E.A.); (F.C.B.)
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (J.C.A.-L.); (D.R.-U.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country, 48015 Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paul B. Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (E.A.); (F.C.B.)
- School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Daniela Ramos-Usuga
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (J.C.A.-L.); (D.R.-U.)
- Biomedical Research Doctorate Program, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Fofi Constantinidou
- Center for Applied Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
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Avanci JQ, Serpeloni F, de Oliveira TP, de Assis SG. Posttraumatic stress disorder among adolescents in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:75. [PMID: 33546640 PMCID: PMC7866458 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03062-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency of trauma and different types of violence exposure in urban areas and their effects on the mental health of adolescents in developing countries are poorly investigated. Most information about traumatized young people comes from war scenarios or disasters. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD in trauma-exposed students in a low-resource city of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The effects of sociodemographic and individual and family factors in the development of PTSD were also investigated. METHODS Through multi-stage cluster sampling, 862 adolescents (Mage = 15 years old, 65% female) from public and private schools in the city of São Gonçalo were selected for the study. Self-rating structured questionnaires were applied to assess sociodemographic profile, exposure to physical and psychological violence (family, school, community), sexual abuse, social support, social functional impairment, resilience, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The data were grouped in blocks regarding sociodemographic, individual, family, and community variables. For statistical analysis, chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS The PTSD prevalence was 7.8% among adolescents. Boys were exposed to significantly higher number of events of community violence, while girls to family violence. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for PTSD were statistically significant for age (OR, 1.45, [95% CI, 1.043-2.007]), social functional impairment (OR, 4.82, [95% CI, 1.77-13.10]), severe maternal physical violence (OR, 2.79, [95% CI, 0.79-9.93]), psychological violence by significant people (OR, 3.96, [95% CI, 1.89-8.31]) and a high number of episodes of community violence (OR, 3.52, [95% CI, 1.47-8.40). CONCLUSIONS There was a high prevalence of PTSD within this population associated with exposure to violence. Not only physical, but also psychological violence contributed to PTSD. The results also raise awareness to the differences in life trajectories between boys and girls regarding violence. These differences need to be better understood in order to enable the development of effective preventative interventions. Treating and preventing mental health disorders presents a challenge for countries, especially those with a lower degree of social and economic development and high community violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joviana Quintes Avanci
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Serpeloni
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil
| | - Thiago Pires de Oliveira
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil
- International Business Machines Corporation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil
- Neurology Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Mariz e Barros 775, Rio de Janeiro, 20270-901, Brazil
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Traumatic Stress Among Children After Surgical Intervention for Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: A Pilot Study. Dermatol Surg 2021; 46:e45-e52. [PMID: 31876572 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000002276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Spencer AE, Valentine SE, Sikov J, Yule AM, Hsu H, Hallett E, Xuan Z, Silverstein M, Fortuna L. Principles of Care for Young Adults With Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders. Pediatrics 2021; 147:229-239. [PMID: 33386320 PMCID: PMC8276159 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-023523f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 50% of young adults (defined as individuals aged 18-25 years) with substance use disorders (SUDs) have at least 1 co-occurring psychiatric disorder, and the presence of co-occurring disorders worsens SUD outcomes. Treatment of both co-occurring psychiatric disorders and SUDs in young adults is imperative for optimal treatment, yet many barriers exist to achieving this goal. We present a series of evidence-informed principles of care for young adults with co-occurring psychiatric disorders derived by a workgroup of experts convened by Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction. The 3 principles are as follows: (1) young adults should receive integrated mental health and addiction care across treatment settings; (2) care should be responsive to the needs of young adults exposed to trauma and other adverse childhood experiences; and (3) treatment programs should regularly assess and respond to the evolving mental health needs, motivations, and treatment goals of young adults with co-occurring disorders. Our guidance for each principle is followed by a review of the evidence supporting that principle, as well as practice considerations for implementation. More research among young adults is critical to identify effective treatments and service systems for those with co-occurring disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Spencer
- Departments of Psychiatry and
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Sarah E Valentine
- Departments of Psychiatry and
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Jennifer Sikov
- Departments of Psychiatry and
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Amy M Yule
- Departments of Psychiatry and
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Heather Hsu
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
- Pediatrics, School of Medicine, and
| | | | - Ziming Xuan
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Silverstein
- Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
- Pediatrics, School of Medicine, and
| | - Lisa Fortuna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Ben-Ari A, Benarroch F, Sela Y, Margalit D. Risk factors for the development of medical stress syndrome following surgical intervention. J Pediatr Surg 2020; 55:1685-1690. [PMID: 31839372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric surgical procedures involve traumatic stress that may cause psychological distress, leading to decreased adherence to continued surgical follow-up and delayed physical recovery. Risk factors for pediatric medical trauma, however, have not been studied enough. We aim to define the risk factors detectable during hospitalization in pediatric surgery and characterize children at risk of developing PTSD, in order to focus preventive interventions on these children. METHODS The participants in this prospective study were parents of 235 children aged 1-13 years hospitalized in a pediatric surgical ward, who form a representative sample of patients of this age in the ward. They completed questionnaires measuring symptoms of psychological distress, 3-5 months after discharge. RESULTS Higher parental stress, parental concerns regarding family social support, and parental concerns regarding sibling problems had a significant positive correlation with the children's emotional distress measured 3-5 months after hospitalization. Among children aged 1-5 years, emergency (as opposed to elective) operation and a higher number of invasive procedures were also positively correlated with the children's PTSS. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to develop measurements for identifying children at high risk for developing posttraumatic stress following surgical intervention; guidelines for developing such a screening instrument are outlined. TYPE OF STUDY Prognosis study (level of evidence - 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amichai Ben-Ari
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Israel; Herman Dana Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Fortu Benarroch
- Herman Dana Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaron Sela
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University
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Smith P, Dalgleish T, Meiser‐Stedman R. Practitioner Review: Posttraumatic stress disorder and its treatment in children and adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2019; 60:500-515. [PMID: 30350312 PMCID: PMC6711754 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Important advances in understanding traumatic stress reactions in children and young people have been made in recent years. The aim of this review was to synthesise selected recent research findings, with a focus on their relevance to clinical practice. We therefore address: findings on the epidemiology of trauma exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); recent changes to diagnostic classification; implications for screening and assessment of traumatic stress reactions; and treatment outcome studies including interventions for acute and chronic PTSD, dissemination of effective treatments into community settings, and early interventions. We conclude with recommendations for clinical practice and suggestions for future areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Smith
- Department of PsychologyInstitute of Psychiatry Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tim Dalgleish
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences UnitUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Richard Meiser‐Stedman
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
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Ben Ari A, Margalit D, Roth Y, Udassin R, Benarroch F. Should parents share medical information with their young children? A prospective study. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 88:52-56. [PMID: 30504070 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As psychiatric consultants to pediatric wards, we are often asked whether to disclose to young children full information about the invasive medical procedures they face. To date, no studies have been published offering an evidence-based answer to this question. This prospective study examined whether sharing medical information with young children regarding invasive interventions correlates with the development of chronic post-traumatic stress three to five months after hospitalization. METHOD The participants in this prospective study were parents of 151 children aged 3-13 who were hospitalized in a pediatric surgery ward. The sample was representative of the population hospitalized in this ward during that year. Independent of the study, parents of 104 children chose to share with them information regarding the procedure they were about to undergo, while parents of 47 children chose not to do so. t-Tests were used to assess the correlation between the children's exposure to medical information and their level of long-term post-intervention stress. RESULTS Findings show an inverse correlation between the children's exposure to medical information and their level of post-traumatic stress several months after their medical episode. The correlation is significant in both preschool children and school-aged children. CONCLUSIONS We suggest the implementation of psychoeducation programs among both medical staff and parents in order to increase awareness of the importance of sharing medical information with young children facing medical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amichai Ben Ari
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Israel; Herman Dana Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | | | - Yitzchak Roth
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - Raphael Udassin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Fortu Benarroch
- Herman Dana Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
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ADAPTIVE RESPONSES OF CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM AND NON-SPECIFIC RESISTANCE OF THE BODY IN CASES OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURE. WORLD OF MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.26724/2079-8334-2019-1-67-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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