'Compensation neurosis' revisited: outcome studies of the effects of litigation.
Although the term 'compensation neurosis' has been frequently used to describe personal injury litigants, its clinical validity--and the assumptions about individuals described by this label--have not been critically examined. This article reviews the concept of 'compensation neurosis' and follow-up studies of claimants for compensation following the finalisation of their legal proceedings. A follow-up study of 760 litigants found that, of the 264 subjects who were not working at the time of conclusion of litigation and who could be traced, 198 (75%) were not working after an average of 23 months following the finalization of their cases.
Mendelson
G
G
Department of Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Australia.
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007346:Insurance, Accident / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence