50 THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF NEAR-MISS SIDS

Research has demonstrated that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is emotionally devastating to families. An episode of apnea occurring at home requiring resuscitation is commonly referred to as near-miss SIDS. The relationship between nearmiss SIDS and SIDS is unclear, and the effect upon the family has been less well defined. 40 families who had experienced a near-miss SIDS episode responded to a questionnaire, 25 in writing and 15 by telephone. The questionnaire was completed 1 to 38 months after the episode. 37 of the respondents were present when the apnea occurred. 33% of the caretakers checked the baby as part of their routine activity, and 18% had a premonition that something was wrong and went to check the baby. 63% described it as “one of the hardest things in my life.” 10% described the experience as similar to a death in the family. Only 5% believed that their baby would have survived without resuscitation and 63% believed that their baby would die without intervention. As a result of this episode 20% decided not to have any more children, but half of these later reconsidered this decision. The average duration of time before things returned to normal was 3.7 (S.D. ± 3.8) months. These findings suggest that there is a significant psychological impact as a result of a near-miss SIDS episode, consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, and that support services should be available to the family.