Psychological Risk Factors in Pediatric Accidental Drug Ingestion: Implications for Nursing Intervention

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with accidental drug ingestion caused by psychological problems and summarize effective nursing intervention measures. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 56 pediatric patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2024, who had accidental drug ingestion due to psychological problems. All patients received systematic emergency care and targeted psychological care, including rapid assessment and emergency collaboration, individualized psychological counseling, family-system nursing intervention, and preventive health education. The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRSC), and Conners' Child Behavior Questionnaire were used for evaluation before and after the intervention. Results: Among the 56 patients, the main psychological triggers were anxiety disorders (28 cases), depressive moods (16 cases), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, 12 cases). The most commonly ingested drugs were psychotropic drugs (21 cases) and medications commonly used by the elderly (18 cases). After systematic nursing intervention, the patients' physiological indicators stabilized within 48 hours; 6 weeks after the intervention, the scores of anxiety and depression scales decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the attention span of patients with ADHD was significantly prolonged. Conclusion: Psychological problems constitute a key predisposing factor for accidental pediatric medication ingestion. An integrated nursing model—grounded in emergency care, focused on psychological intervention, and augmented by family education—effectively supports both physical and psychological recovery and helps prevent future events.