Relationship between symptoms and psychological factors five years after whiplash injury.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were: to describe the frequency of whiplash-related symptoms and psychological factors in persons 5 years after a whiplash injury; to study the relationship between symptoms and psychological factors; to examine gender differences; and to investigate the cause of sick leave.


METHODS
Questionnaires addressing neck pain, pain intensity, whiplash-related symptoms, post-traumatic stress, depression, social support and life satisfaction were used.


RESULTS
Neck pain was reported by 59% of subjects, whiplash-related symptoms (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, RPQ) by 76%, depression (Beck's Depression Inventory, BDI) by 22%, and post-traumatic stress (Impact of Event Scale, IES), by 38%. The scores of pain intensity and RPQ were correlated to BDI, IES and LiSat-11 scores. Men reported a lower level of quality of social support than women. Men reporting many symptoms also reported reduced availability of social interaction, whereas women with many symptoms reported reduced availability of attachment (i.e. lack of intimate partner, close family and friends). A multivariate logistic regression showed an association between sick leave and depression.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate the importance of assessing possible relationships between symptoms, depression and post-traumatic stress in persons with long-term problems after whiplash injury, and of treating existing symptoms, especially depression. Because social support may play a role in recovery, social relationships should also be examined.
Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation (Rehabilitation Medicine), Bldg 9A, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå University, SE-90185 Umeå, Sweden. brittmarie.stalnacke@rehabmed.umu.se
Britt-Marie
BM
Stålnacke
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012737:Sex Factors; D018582:Sick Leave; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*