DSM-5 criteria for PTSD in parents of pediatric patients with epilepsy: What are the changes with respect to DSM-IV-TR?

- This study offers the first contribution to the detection of PTSD using DSM-5 among parents of children with epilepsy
- This study provides important elements about gender differences following a stressful event like the diagnosis of epilepsy in one's child
- This study highlights the relevance of recognizing PTSD among subjects involved caring for a child and who could benefit from help and support

Increasing literature suggests the need to explore for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress symptoms in parents and caregivers of children with acute and chronic illnesses but scant data are available on epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to estimate full and partial PTSD rates among parents of children with epilepsy comparing DSM-5 and DSM-IV-TR criteria. Further, the aim of the present study was to examine possible gender differences between mothers and fathers. Results showed 9.1% and 12.1% PTSD rates in the total sample, according to DSM-5 or DSM-IV-TR criteria, respectively, with an overall consistency of 92.9% (Kohen's K = 0.628, p = .453). Significant gender differences emerged for Avoidance/Numbing and Hyperarousal symptoms diagnosed by means of DSM-IV-TR criteria, as well as for Negative alterations in cognitions/mood and Hyperarousal symptoms, when adopting DSM-5 criteria. This study underscores the relevance of detecting PTSD in parents of children with a chronic illness such as epilepsy.