Psychological sequelae of mountain accidents: a preliminary study.
Studies of the victims of road traffic accidents and of violent crime have shown that a significant minority continue to display mood disorders and posttraumatic symptoms one year later; however, few studies have been conducted on victims of other kinds of accident. Thirty-one subjects admitted to hospitals after a mountain accident in the Scottish Highlands were followed up at 3-month intervals over 9 months to determine the prevalence of psychological sequelae; a variety of questionnaires were used to measure mood and other psychological effects. A large minority experienced at least mild depression and other negative consequences at follow-up, despite relatively minor physical injuries; subjects who experienced intrusive thoughts and avoidance of accident-related phenomena demonstrated the least recovery.
Area Clinical Psychology Service, (Highland Communities NHS Trust), Craig Phadrig Hospital, Inverness, Scotland.
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DF
Peck
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Robertson
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Zeffert
D000059:Accidents / Q000523:psychology*; D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000293:injuries* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012606:Scotland; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology