Posttraumatic stress disorder and motor vehicle accidents: a multidisciplinary overview.
OBJECTIVE
Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) may result in intractable disability. This paper investigates posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a potential cause.


METHODS
The literature was reviewed for recent studies on prevalence, symptom profile, and outcome of PTSD.


RESULTS
PTSD is prevalent in roughly 10% of survivors of MVAs during the first year. Comorbid depression and pain are common. Medical complications, psychophysiological reactivity, and possibly litigation may slow remission. Phobic symptoms can persist for years. Mood disturbance may augment the impact of pain on daily living and on self-perceived disability.


CONCLUSIONS
Recently developed screening instrument, structured interviews, and behavioural approach tests yield quantitative and reliable assessments of symptom severity. Cognitive-behavioural intervention and antidepressants may improve coping, ease fear, and reduce the impact of pain.
Kuch
K
K
University of Toronto, Ontario.
Cox
B J
BJ
Evans
R J
RJ
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000523:psychology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome