In collaboration with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, the BRAIN Center at the University of Memphis conducted the largest study to date examining the incidence of acute stress disorder in 617 pediatric trauma patients. The study found a staggering 64.8% of patients were diagnosed with acute stress disorder, which is the pre-diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In two additional studies examining children and adolescents treated in the emergency department for non-fatal firearm injuries, 72% of patients were admitted for assault-related injuries, and 57% of injuries were the result of community violence. Having a history of childhood adversity increased the likelihood that the patient was admitted for an intentional firearm injury. Collectively, our results confirm the need for integrative mental health services in pediatric hospital settings.

 

Schauss, E., Hawes, K, Roberts, S., Clayton, M., Li, C., Little John, A., Bartelli, D., &            Williams, R. (2022). Examining the Incidence of Acute Stress in Pediatric Trauma           Patients. Trauma Surgery and Acute Care Open, 7(1).