Living With Guillain-Barré Syndrome as Children.

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

The goal of this qualitative observational study is to explore the lived experience and psychological aftermath of children who were affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) two to five years earlier. GBS is a rare and acute neurological condition, and while motor recovery is generally good in children, residual symptoms such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, or depression may persist and impact quality of life.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

How do children experience and recall their illness and recovery after GBS? What psychological or contextual factors might contribute to emotional distress or depressive symptoms in the years following the disease?

Participants will:

Be children aged 10 or older who had GBS two to five years prior. Participate in a 45-60-minute semi-structured individual interview during a routine follow-up visit.

Respond to a screening questionnaire for depressive symptoms (Children's Depression Inventory or Beck Depression Inventory Fast Screen).

Undergo a brief clinical examination to assess any remaining physical sequelae. Interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and pseudonymized. Thematic reflexive analysis will be performed following Braun and Clarke's methodology. Recruitment will continue until theoretical saturation is reached (approximately 25 participants expected) across two centers (Toulouse and Montpellier).

This study aims to generate new insights into pediatric psychological outcomes after GBS, in order to improve acute care and follow-up, and potentially guide future mental health support for affected children.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Child's psychological and emotional experience after Guillain-Barré Syndrome — From 6 months to 5 years after the acute Guillain-Barré episode
  The child's subjective experience will be assessed through a semi-structured individual interview conducted by a trained researcher. The outcome will explore psychological themes such as fear, anxiety, mood changes, body image, and coping strategies in the aftermath of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. No standardized questionnaire will be used; the approach is entirely qualitative and descriptive.

Trial sites (2)

More University Hospital, Toulouse trials in France

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