Follow-up of young road accident victims.
The aim of this study was to follow-up a group of children and young people previously examined for psychological sequelae following road traffic accidents. The group was assessed 18-month postaccident to assess the severity of continuing symptoms and examine any emergence of delayed onset of posttraumatic stress reactions. Participants (N = 31) completed the Revised Impact of Event Scale and the Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index. Parents completed the Child Behavior Check-List and participated in a semistructured interview. Symptoms of PTSD were noted in a quarter of participants as was delayed onset of symptoms. The role of avoidance in symptom reporting and continuing disorder is discussed.
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland. marjorie.gillies@yorkhill.scot.nhs.uk
Marjorie L
ML
Gillies
Joanne
J
Barton
Alain
A
Di Gallo
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors