Citation

Brown RC, Nugent NR, Hawn SE, Koenen KC, Miller A, Amstadter AB, Saxe G. J. Pediatr. Health Care 2016; 30(6): 558-568.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.pedhc.2015.11.015

PMID

26776839

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of risk for and the transition between acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a longitudinal sample of youth with severe injuries admitted to the hospital. These data would assist with treatment and discharge planning.

METHODS: Youth were assessed for ASD during the initial hospital stay and were followed-up over an 18-month period for PTSD (n = 151). Youth were classified into four groups, including Resilient (ASD-, PTSD-), ASD Only (ASD+, PTSD-), PTSD Only (ASD-, PTSD+), and Chronic (ASD+, PTSD+). Demographic, psychiatric, social context, and injury-related factors were examined as predictors of diagnostic transition.

RESULTS: The results of multivariate analysis of variance and pairwise comparisons found that peritraumatic dissociation, gender, and socioeconomic status were significant predictors after controlling for multiple testing.

DISCUSSION: Results suggest that both within-child and contextual factors contribute to the longitudinal response to trauma in children. Clinicians should consider early screening and discharge planning, particularly for children most at risk.

Language: en