Acute Stress and Need for Psychological Follow-Up Care in Parents of Children Treated at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Admission of a child to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a highly stressful experience for parents and may trigger acute stress disorder (ASD), posing a risk for long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Despite this vulnerability, structured follow-up care is rarely offered.

Aim

This study examined (1) acute stress, post-traumatic adjustment and the perceived need for psychological follow-up care among parents of PICU patients, (2) variables associated with ASD symptoms and the need for follow-up care, and (3) dyadic associations between mothers' and fathers' distress.

Study design

An observational study was conducted at the PICU of a University Hospital in Germany between December 2022 and February 2024. Parents of children

SUBMITTER: Rossler E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12672213 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature