Cognitive Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress in Children 6 Months after Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Admission

This study aimed to identify predictors, especially cognitive of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and disorder (PTSD) in children 6 months after Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission. Participants were 55 aged 6–16, admitted PICU for at least 8 h. Medical data collected from patient charts. Cognitive variables (peri-trauma affect, processing trauma memory) assessed by interview self-report questionnaires 2–4 weeks following Acute PTSS questionnaire PTSD was clinical interview. Receiving ketamine the only non-cognitive variable associated with months. Peri-trauma processing, memory significantly independently accounted 21% variance even controlling acute (and ketamine). A mediation analysis showed that peri-trauma affect indirectly influenced through its effect on processing. Conclusions: contribute children, via disrupted Prevention or early intervention strategies helping develop a complete, contextual narrative may be effective reducing persistent responses PICU.