Citation

White S. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 1991; 16(1): 103-115.

Affiliation

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2010874

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is usually diagnosed in the primary victim of a psychologically distressing event who demonstrates the criteria symptomatology. Presented here is a case study of PTSD symptoms in a mother whose 4-year-old boy underwent bilateral arm amputation. Discussed is how the mother became the primary PTSD victim and why the particular injury (electrical shock) can be explained as readily giving rise to her problems. Consultants to pediatric and trauma services are reminded that the primary patient's medical care may suffer if disorders such as PTSD are not recognized in those responsible for making treatment decisions for the young victim.

Language: en