Psychiatry Research EG

Background Repeated anesthesia and surgery in young children are distressing for children and families, leading to anxiety and psychological disturbances in the children. Preclinical and clinical data suggest a high possibility of neurotoxicity after exposure of young children to general anesthetics, with subsequent behavioral and emotional disturbances. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the overall psychiatric effect of repeated general anesthesia on the cognitive function, the behavior, and emotions of young 1½–5-year-old children compared with a control group of healthy children attending the vaccination clinic. Patients and methods Thirty-five children who underwent repeated anesthesia were recruited and matched with the same number of healthy children who attended the vaccination clinic as a control group. Both groups were administrated the Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5 years and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) oriented scale. Behavior data were collected through a semistructured questionnaire. Results The Child Behavior Checklist score revealed that children with repeated anesthesia were more likely to become anxious or depressed, to have sleep and attention problems, to become aggressive, and to develop internalized and externalized behavioral problems. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding problems of being emotionally reactive, having somatic complaints or being withdrawn. On the DSM scale, children with repeated anesthesia were more likely to develop affective and anxiety problems and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity problems. There were no statistically significant differences between the two study groups regarding pervasive developmental and oppositional defiant problems. Conclusion Young pediatric patients undergoing repeated surgical procedures under general anesthesia are more likely to have subsequent behavioral and emotional disturbances. Proper perioperative pain management, psychological counseling, and social support could minimize these untoward consequences. Keywords: anesthesia, pediatric, psychiatric, seque