Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invasive treatment for critically ill patients that significantly increases survival but carries risks for long-term developmental complications. The aim of this study was to examine the emotional-behavioral functioning and perceived quality of life of individuals treated with ECMO in childhood, representing the first such study in Slovenia. The study included 22 survivors aged 2 to 31 years. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining standardized ASEBA questionnaires, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 for assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults, and the PedsQL and WHOQOL-BREF for assessing quality of life. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with adult participants to obtain a deeper understanding of their experiences. The results indicate that the emotional-behavioral functioning of most participants falls within the normative range, although individual deviations were observed. Internalizing problems emerged as relatively more frequent, whereas externalizing problems were not pronounced. Perceived quality of life was relatively high across all developmental stages, which the qualitative findings attribute to successful adaptation processes, the use of adaptive coping strategies, and the importance of social support. Agreement between different informants was low to moderate, highlighting the importance of a multi-informant approach in the assessment of psychosocial functioning in survivors.The findings suggest that the experience of ECMO represents a risk factor for specific vulnerabilities, but does not necessarily imply poorer overall functioning. The study highlights the importance of long-term, interdisciplinary monitoring of individuals after ECMO, which should include systematic assessment of psychosocial functioning alongside physical health aspects.
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