Citation

Bui E, Brunet A, Allenou C, Camassel C, Raynaud JP, Claudet I, Fries F, Cahuzac JP, Grandjean H, Schmitt L, Birmes P. Gen. Hosp. Psychiatry 2010; 32(3): 330-333.

Affiliation

Laboratoire du Stress Traumatique (LST-JE2511), Universite et CHU de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France. bui.e@chu-toulouse.fr

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2010.01.014

PMID

20430239

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the power of self-reported peritraumatic distress and dissociation to predict the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in school-aged children. METHODS: School-aged children aged 8 to 15 years admitted to an emergency department after a road traffic accident were enrolled (n=103). Participants were assessed with the child versions of the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire within 1 week. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were then assessed at 5 weeks. RESULTS: A significant association between peritraumatic variables and two measures of PTSD symptoms was demonstrated. However, in a multivariate analysis, peritraumatic distress was the only significant predictor of acute PTSD symptoms (beta=.33, p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: As has been found in adults, peritraumatic distress is a robust predictor of who will develop PTSD symptoms among school-aged children.

Language: en