Children recovering from severe injuries, such as TBI and burns, are very likely to experience a range of neuropsychiatric and behavioral responses that require a multidisciplinary approach to assessment and treatment. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the psychiatric disorder that has been most clearly established as a sequela to these injuries, affecting as many as one third of patients. TBI patients are also at high risk for attention deficit disorder and cognitive impairment, as well as the mood, anxiety, and conduct disorders known to affect all patients who suffer severe illness. Intervention with appropriate therapy has improved long-term outcome and function.

The age of the child and the extent and nature of the injury will determine the modalities required to provide support for the child and his or her family in recovery and return to school and home. In most cases, emotional recovery is successful but slower than physical recovery after severe injury. An understanding of the range of sequelae and risk factors for adverse long-term outcome is important in coordinating the necessary multimodal rehabilitative approach. The following are factors are associated with children having a more difficult recovery: