IngentaConnect Posttraumatic stress disorder and emotional problems in children ...

Authors: McDermott, Brett M.; Cvitanovich, Anita

Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 34, Number 3, JUNE 2000 , pp. 446-452(7)

Abstract:

Objective: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and general psychopathology in children following motor vehicle accidents (MVA) was investigated.

Method: Twenty-six subjects aged 8-13 years presenting to an emergency department following an MVA were assessed 3 months after the accident using a standard clinical psychiatric assessment, a structured research interview and self- and parent-report questionnaires.

Results: A higher prevalence of psychopathology was seen in the sample compared with community controls. Self-report of PTSD symptoms revealed 22% subjects in the moderate or severe PTSD range and 35% of mild severity. There was significant concordance between self-report PTSD scores and a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. Perception of threat and the internalising subscale on the Child Behaviour Checklist were significantly correlated with PTSD scores.

Conclusions: PTSD and other symptoms of emotional distress are common following MVAs. The clinical and public health implications are discussed, and areas for further research highlighted.

Keywords: assessment; children; PTSD; screening

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1614.2000.00753.x

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Posttraumatic stress disorder and emotional problems in children following motor vehicle accidents: an extended case series