An approach to the timely treatment of acute stress disorder

Rhonda Robert, W. J. Meyer, C. Villarreal, P. E. Blakeney, M. Desai, D. Herndon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

A convergent postburn psychopharmacologic treatment for children for acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms has not been established. Both the application of what has been learned through treatment of similar symptoms experienced by adults with posttraumatic stress disorder and the examination of safe treatment options for children led to the clinical decision to use imipramine for 25 pediatric patients with acute burns. The treatment histories of these patients were retrospectively reviewed to see if further exploration into the efficacy of imipramine was warranted. Eighty percent of the children experienced remission of hyperarousal symptoms (eg, trouble staying asleep, trouble falling asleep) and intrusive reexperiencing symptoms (eg, nightmares). Twelve percent of the children experienced a decrease in the frequency or intensity of ASD symptoms. Eight percent had no relief of ASD symptoms. Initial findings suggest that imipramine assists children who have postburn ASD symptoms by decreasing the hyperarousal and intrusive reexperiencing symptoms of ASD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)250-258
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • General Nursing
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Rehabilitation
  • General Health Professions

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