1 in 7 children develop PTSD after treatment in intensive care

Each year, an estimated 5,000 children in the Netherlands end up in intensive care. Fortunately, more and more children are surviving this. However, according to Dr. Madelon Bronner from the AMC, we must consider the consequences of such a significant event. Approximately one in seven children experiences Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after intensive treatment in the hospital. A notable detail: the primary predictor for the development of PTSD is the stress reaction of parents.

Treatment in intensive care can be extremely impressive, challenging, and frightening for a child. Although more children are surviving an ICU admission—about 50% in the 1980s compared to 95% today—there is a high chance of long-term unpleasant symptoms developing. These children may, for example, suffer from prolonged anxiety symptoms, anger outbursts, concentration disorders, and developmental problems.

Possible causes of PTSD in children
Neither the severity of the illness, the duration of the admission, nor the age of the patient determines the development of PTSD. No, it is the panic reaction of parents that determines how significant the emotional trauma is for the child. This is especially true for young children, according to Bronner. The solution? More attention must be given to the emotions of both children and their parents. Stress arises because parents do not know what is happening. By providing them with more clarity about the treatment and answering their questions, they are reassured, which in turn affects the stress level of their children.

Aftercare is essential
Good aftercare is essential to prevent developmental problems in children after ICU admission. Erasmus MC in Rotterdam is the first hospital in the world to develop a long-term aftercare program for children who have been in the ICU. Other hospitals in the Netherlands with a special pediatric ICU have also followed this example. These hospitals have also established a new protocol for the aftercare of children, where the child's development is closely monitored. Parents and children can, for example, seek answers to questions about the treatment. By curbing acute stress, the chance of trauma is significantly reduced.

Want to know more?
Then visit the websitehttps://nahetziekenhuis.nl. Here, children, parents, and professionals can find more information.