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Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume)
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*Anxiety
*Depression
*Hand Injuries and Disorders
*Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Articles

Trauma-Related Distress and Mood Disorders in the Early Stage of an Acute Traumatic Hand Injury

M. GUSTAFSSON, A. AMILON and G. AHLSTRÖM

From the Department of Hand Surgery, Örebro University Hospital and Department of Caring Sciences, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden

Correspondence: Dr Margareta Gustafsson, Department of Caring Sciences, Örebro University, SE-70182 Örebro, Sweden. Tel.: +46 19 301255; Fax: +46 19 303601; E-mail: margareta.gustafsson{at}ivo.oru.se

The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of trauma-related distress and mood disorders in the early stages after acute traumatic hand injuries and identify characteristics associated with these reactions. Data were obtained from 112 patients by means of mailed questionnaires and medical records. Nearly half of the patients had increased levels of intrusive and avoidance symptoms, indicating trauma-related distress. One-third showed signs of a mood disorder. Mood disorders were associated with the need for help with activities of daily living, pain and avoidance symptoms. The study showed that emotional problems in the early stages after injury are related to the consequences of both the injury and the traumatic experience. Negative reactions to the sight of the hand were associated with both trauma-related distress and mood disorders, suggesting that observation of the reactions to the sight of the hand could help to identify patients in need of psychological support.

Key Words: hand injury • trauma • traumatic stress • anxiety • depression • pain

Journal of Hand Surgery (British and European Volume), Vol. 28, No. 4, 332-338 (2003)
DOI: 10.1016/S0266-7681(03)00138-4
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