HC Toolbox Home
Prevalence of Medical Traumatic Stress

Bed Chart

Up to 80% of ill or injured children, and their families report experiencing some traumatic stress reactions following a life-threatening illness, injury or painful medical procedure (Winston, et al. 2002).

Between 20 – 30 % of parents and 15 – 25% of children and siblings experience persistent traumatic stress reactions that impair daily functioning and affect treatment adherence and recovery (Bruce, 2006; O'Donnell et al. 2003).

Click here for a summary of research on the prevalence of medical traumatic stress




Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress:
"a set of psychological and physiological responses of children and their families to pain, injury, medical procedures, and invasive or frightening treatment experiences"

-National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2003

These traumatic stress reactions can include psychological and physiological symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyper-arousal. When a constellation of these symptoms persists and causes distress, the individual may have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Children may have other kinds of reactions to illness and injury as well, including behavioral changes or symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Whenever providers or parents have any serious concerns about a child’s ability to cope with illness or injury, or about emotional and behavioral changes that occur in connection with a medical event, careful assessment of the child, in consultation with an experienced mental health professional, is key. Click here for information on referrals for mental health assessment or treatment.