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Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

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Open Access 01-03-2019

The Association Between Acute Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children and Adolescents 3 Months After Accidental Injury

Authors: Els P. M. van Meijel, Maj R. Gigengack, Eva Verlinden, Alida F. W. van der Steeg, J. Carel Goslings, Frank W. Bloemers, Jan S. K. Luitse, Frits Boer, Martha A. Grootenhuis, Ramón J. L. Lindauer

Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Previous research suggests that acute pain is a risk factor for later posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). In a prospective cohort study, we examined the association between acute pain from accidental injury and PTSS in children and adolescents, taking into account factors potentially related to pain or posttraumatic stress. Participants were 135 children and adolescents, 8–18 years old. We measured the worst experienced pain since the accident took place with a visual analogue scale. Three months after the accident, posttraumatic stress was assessed with a self-report measure. We found a positive association between acute pain and posttraumatic stress. The amount of pain was negatively associated with injury severity in girls and positively associated with the presence of an extremity fracture in boys. In children who reported severe pain, this pain was significantly associated with PTSS and may account for around 10% of the variance in the severity of PTSS. Although the experience of pain is subjective, our study indicates that severe pain is associated with the severity of later PTSS. Timely management of pain according to acute pain protocols in all phases and disciplines after accidental injury is therefore recommended.

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Title: The Association Between Acute Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children and Adolescents 3 Months After Accidental Injury
Authors: Els P. M. van Meijel
Maj R. Gigengack
Eva Verlinden
Alida F. W. van der Steeg
J. Carel Goslings
Frank W. Bloemers
Jan S. K. Luitse
Frits Boer
Martha A. Grootenhuis
Ramón J. L. Lindauer
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1068-9583
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3572
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-018-9567-6

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The Association Between Acute Pain and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children and Adolescents 3 Months After Accidental Injury

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