Psychological outcomes in children after discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care center of Eastern India: An observational study

Background: Emerging evidence highlights the enduring psychological sequelae in children following discharge from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This study aimed to evaluate psychological outcomes at discharge and during follow-up at 3 and 6 months postdischarge. Subjects and Methods: A prospective and observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in West Bengal, Eastern India, between January 2023 and June 2024. Fifty children aged 5–12 years, discharged from the PICU, were enrolled. Psychological assessments were performed at discharge and at 3 and 6 months using validated instruments: CRIES-13 for posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 for depressive symptoms, and SCARED for anxiety. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed for associations with psychological morbidity. Results: At 6 months postdischarge, the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and PTSS was 28%, 52%, and 52%, respectively. Depression and anxiety were the most prevalent among children aged 11–12 years, while PTSS was more common in the 8–10 years’ age group. A progressive decline in psychological symptoms was observed over the follow-up period. Female gender ( P = 0.044), presence of multiple caregivers ( P = 0.042), and prolonged PICU stay ( P = 0.032) were significantly associated with PTSS. Depression was also significantly linked to multiple caregiver arrangements ( P = 0.026). Conclusions: Children discharged from the PICU demonstrate considerable psychological morbidity, with symptoms persisting up to 6 months postdischarge.