Post‐traumatic stress disorder in mothers of children who have undergone cancer surgery

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated risk factors among mothers whose children underwent oncological surgery. Method This cross-sectional, multi-center study included a total of 60 mothers whose children underwent major thoracoabdominal surgery and were under the follow-up in the outpatient setting between February 2016 and May 2016. Clinical Data Form, Hospital Anxietyand Depression Scale(HADS), and Clinician-Administered PTSD scale(CAPS) were used. Results Of all participants, 13 (21.7%) were diagnosed with PTSD. These mothers had shorter duration of marriage, longer duration of hospital stay after surgery, and higher HADS scores, compared to the others without PTSD. A thoughts of guilt such as “I am being punished or tested” was more frequent among mothers with PTSD. Insomnia, irritability, concentration problems, and psychological reactivity were the most common symptoms. Conclusion PTSD is a severe disorder which may deteriorate the daily functioning of mothers and may also have an unfavorable effect on child. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for clinicians to recognize PTSD and associated risk factors to guide these parents. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.