Posttraumatic stress disorder and emotional problems in children followingmotor vehicle accidents: an extended case series

Objective: The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and gener al psychopathology in children following motor vehicle accidents (MVA) was investigated. Method: Twenty-six subjects aged 8-13 years presenting to an emergency depa rtment following an MVA were assessed 3 months after the accident using a s tandard clinical psychiatric assessment, a structured research interview an d self- and parent-report questionnaires. Results: A higher prevalence of psychopathology was seen in the sample comp ared with community controls. Self-report of PTSD symptoms revealed 22% sub jects in the moderate or severe PTSD range and 35% of mild severity. There was significant concordance between self-report PTSD scores and a clinical diagnosis of PTSD. Perception of threat and the internalising subscale on t he Child Behaviour Checklist were significantly correlated with PTSD scores . Conclusions: PTSD and other symptoms of emotional distress are common follo wing MVAs. The clinical and public health implications are discussed, and a reas for further research highlighted.