Citation

Jaspers JP. Disabil. Rehabil. 1998; 20(11): 397-404.

Affiliation

Department of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9846239

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the comorbidity of whiplash and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following motor vehicle accidents. A treatment strategy in cases with both disorders is proposed. METHOD: A review of the literature on psychological consequences of motor vehicle accidents and on risk factors associated with developing chronic whiplash complaints is given. A case report is presented to illustrate the treatment strategy. RESULTS: Traffic accidents lead to psychological complaints more often than is realized in clinical practice. It is estimated that PTSD occurs in at least 25% of traffic accident victims who sustain physical injuries. This number is probably higher in patients with chronic whiplash complaints. The case report shows that improvement in relation with the post-traumatic stress symptoms can have a beneficial effect on coping with the chronic whiplash complaints. CONCLUSIONS: The psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with chronic whiplash complaints and PTSD should be aimed primarily at coping with the trauma and not at the chronic pain complaints.

Language: en