Psychiatric adjustment following meningococcal disease treated on a PICU.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the psychiatric status of child survivors of meningococcal disease and their mothers.

DESIGN AND

SETTING

Home interviews with 3-12 month follow-up.PATIENTS. 29 children aged 2-15 years admitted to a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with meningococcal disease.

MEASUREMENTS AND

RESULTS

Questionnaires to assess psychiatric risk in children and parents. We found an overall risk for child psychiatric disorder in 20%. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were present in 62% of children, and 10% had the features of a stress disorder. In 40% of mothers there was an increased risk for psychiatric disorder, 48% experienced clinically significant PTSD symptoms, and 29% were seeking psychological help. Maternal stress symptoms were significantly associated with severity of their child's illness.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of children surviving meningococcal disease and their parents are likely to suffer psychological stress symptoms to a degree that warrants attention.