THE CHILD'S LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS: A PSYCHIATRIC VIEW OF PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA

Abstract

Fifty healthy pediatric patients receiving general anesthesia for minor elective surgery were studied to assess how children experience and conceptualize induced unconsciousness. The techniques used by the patients and staff to minimize the psychological stress of anesthesia were observed. The findings confirm previous studies of the incidence of agitated behavior before and after anesthesia and suggest methods to decrease the frequency of occurrence. Behavioral signs predictive of agitation during anesthetic induction or emergence are discussed. The theoretical implications of these observations are related to ego development and to the capacity of the child to tolerate stress.