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Who develops acute stress disorder after accidental injuries?
Annette Kjaer Fuglsang1, Hanspeter Moergeli, Sofia Hepp-Beg
1Institute of Psychology, University of Aarhus, Risskov, Denmark. annet@psy.au.dk
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Predictors of acute stress disorder (ASD) were identified in accident victims. Subjective experiences and appraisals, alongside objective factors, significantly explain ASD symptom levels, aiding in prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Acute stress disorder (ASD) diagnosis remains debated, with limited research on its predictors.
- Understanding ASD predictors is crucial for effective intervention and prevention following traumatic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ASD in a random sample of accident victims.
- To identify variables associated with ASD symptomatology and develop a predictive regression model.
Main Methods:
- A randomized sample of 323 hospitalized accident victims was assessed.
- ASD diagnosis utilized the Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire and Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale.
- Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of ASD was 4.0%, with 9.9% meeting criteria for subsyndromal ASD.
- A regression model explained 38% of the variance in ASD symptom levels.
- Key predictors included ICU stay, pre-existing psychiatric disorders, sense of coherence, perceived death threat, accident severity appraisal, perceived preventability, pain, and perceived coping ability for physical recovery.
Conclusions:
- Findings contribute to the ongoing discussion regarding ASD diagnostic criteria.
- Emphasizes the importance of subjective experiences and appraisals, in addition to objective variables, for ASD prevention.
- Highlights the need to consider individual psychological responses in the aftermath of accidents.