Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Parents of Premature Birth Neonates

Abstract

Development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of premature neonates has been recently described. Several source of stress have been hypothesized, however causes of PTDS and emotional reaction of the parents of premature birth hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) remain largely undefined. We demonstrated that alteration of parental role and a history of anxiety have a crucial role in the development of PTSD in the parents of premature neonates. Familiarization with neonatal intensive care unit environment and increasing participation of the parents in the care of neonates during the first weeks of life improves parental role perception. Early involvement of the parents and especially of the mothers in the neonatal care, in particular if the risk of anxiety is consistent, should be considered a primary objective to prevent a PTSD.