Peritraumatic reactions and posttraumatic stress symptoms in school-aged children victims of road traffic accident.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the power of self-reported peritraumatic distress and dissociation to predict the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in school-aged children.

METHODS

School-aged children aged 8 to 15 years admitted to an emergency department after a road traffic accident were enrolled (n=103). Participants were assessed with the child versions of the Peritraumatic Distress Inventory and the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire within 1 week. Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were then assessed at 5 weeks.

RESULTS

A significant association between peritraumatic variables and two measures of PTSD symptoms was demonstrated. However, in a multivariate analysis, peritraumatic distress was the only significant predictor of acute PTSD symptoms (beta=.33, p<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

As has been found in adults, peritraumatic distress is a robust predictor of who will develop PTSD symptoms among school-aged children.