Posttraumatic stress symptoms and medical procedures in children

Abstract

Objective: To focus on posttraumatic stress symptoms after childhood diseases such as cancer, organ transplantation, and severe burns.

Methods: Differential diagnoses, risk factors, and treatment aspects (psychological and pharmacological) are discussed.

Results: The concept of adjustment problems in chronic or severe illnesses is widely used in pediatrics. Many aspects of severe childhood diseases are traumatic, as defined by the DSM-IV: severe illnesses are life-threatening, medical procedures threaten the child's physical integrity, and disorganized behaviour periods are common.

Conclusion: This concept, which remains insufficiently investigated, is a promising area of investigation for prospective and prevention studies.