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Psychiatric disorders after an accident: Predictors and the influence of the psychiatric condition prior to an accident

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

Marco Wrenger*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 22, D-48149Münster, Germany
Corinna Lange
Affiliation:
Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 22, D-48149Münster, Germany
Martin Langer
Affiliation:
Department of Traumatic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Waldeyerstraße 1, D-48149Münster, Germany
Gereon Heuft
Affiliation:
Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 22, D-48149Münster, Germany
Markus Burgmer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Domagkstraße 22, D-48149Münster, Germany
*
*Corresponding author. Tel.: +49 251 835 2905; fax: +49 251 835 2903. E-mail address: marco.wrenger@ukmuenster.de (M. Wrenger).
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Abstract

Background

The goal of this study is to assess prevalence and incidence of psychiatric sequelae in a sample of inpatient accident survivors. Such an attempt to assess psychiatric conditions that originate due to an accident seems to be important; this does not include psychiatric conditions already present prior to the accident.

Method

208 accident victims were consecutively examined over a period of 12 months using DSM-IV diagnostic assessment, CAPS, and self-evaluating questionnaires as well as ISS for injury severity. A predictor model for psychiatric disorders was set up.

Results

Incidence of newly developed Axis I disorders in our sample was 14.2% (6 months) and 12.3% (12 months). Incidence of PTSD was 5.9% (6 months) and 2.5% (12 months). Comorbidity was a general phenomenon. The psychiatric condition prior to the accident could be identified as a predictor for the development of Axis I disorders. The subjectively evaluated intensity of experienced threat to life and female gender were the main predictors for the development of PTSD.

Conclusions

Accidents can lead to different psychiatric disorders. PTSD as a single diagnosis is rare. Without taking into account pre-existing disorders, the incidence may be overestimated. Two predictor models for the development of PTSD and other mental disorders are presented.

Type
Original article
Copyright
Copyright © Elsevier Masson SAS 2008

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