Post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents following road traffic accidents.
BACKGROUND
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a persistent and disabling psychiatric disorder. There is little systematic research into the psychiatric consequences of road traffic accidents (RTAs) in children and adolescents.


METHODS
A consecutive sample of 8-16-year-olds attending an accident and emergency department following RTAs were screened for PTSD. Potential cases and their parent(s) were interviewed with semi-structured research instruments about six weeks and six months after the accident.


RESULTS
Fifty-three (45%) of the 119 subjects fell above PTSD cut-off on the Frederick's Reaction Index. Thirty-three (75%) of the 44 cases met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. In half of these other psychiatric disorders were present, including major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Being female, involvement in car accidents and pre-existing depression and anxiety were associated with developing PTSD. Seventeen per cent of the sample continued to be symptomatic six months after the accident.


CONCLUSIONS
PTSD is a common consequence of RTAs. Liaison with accident and emergency departments would enhance the early detection and follow-up of children at risk of developing PTSD.
Mirza
K A
KA
Developmental Psychiatry Section, University of Cambridge, UK.
Bhadrinath
B R
BR
Goodyer
I M
IM
Gilmour
C
C
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology*