Effects of crisis intervention in road-injury patients.
A study of crisis intervention in men hospitalized for road injuries and followed up three to four months later is described. Results show considerable psychiatric morbidity and potentially health-damaging behavior in a control group of 30 patients. Two other groups receiving different intensities of intervention had significant reductions in symptoms of mental distress and some reduction in physical complaints and work problems. They reported better social support and fewer financial problems and tended to have a shorter stay in the hospital. No differences in initial distress, injuries, or demographic characteristics were found that could account for the differences between the groups. Within groups, better support and fewer stress areas after injury were related to better outcome. These findings confirm the benefit of active crisis intervention, demonstrate the patients' needs for support, and highlight the possibly crucial role of social support. Directions for further research to overcome some limitations of the study are proposed.
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology; D001315:Australia; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care