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Published on: May 8, 2014
Psychological adjustment to lower limb amputation amongst prosthesis users.
Rachel Atherton1, Noelle Robertson
1Clinical Psychology Services, Southwell Rd, Mansfield, Nottingham, NG18 4HH, UK. Rachel.Atherton@nottshc.nhs.uk
Disability and Rehabilitation
|September 29, 2006
Summary
Many lower limb amputees experience psychological distress, particularly anxiety, even years after prosthesis use. Appearance concerns and public self-consciousness significantly impact adjustment, suggesting targeted interventions are crucial for long-term well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Prosthetics
Background:
- Lower limb amputees often face psychological adjustment challenges.
- While depression is studied, other adjustment aspects and associated factors require more investigation.
- Cognitive models highlight self-consciousness and appearance beliefs in emotional responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of psychological morbidity in lower limb amputees.
- Identify variables linked to increased psychological distress.
- Explore the role of self-consciousness and appearance beliefs in adjustment.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 67 adult lower limb prosthesis users (amputation within 5 years).
- Utilized the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Self Consciousness Scale, and Appearance Schemas Inventory.
- Analyzed associations between psychological measures and demographic/clinical variables.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates for anxiety and depression were 29.9% and 13.4%, respectively.
- Appearance-related beliefs correlated with distress and psychosocial adjustment difficulties.
- Public self-consciousness, not private, was significantly associated with distress and adjustment issues.
Conclusions:
- Clinical monitoring for amputee distress should extend beyond the initial post-operative period.
- Anxiety assessment is particularly important for this population.
- Interventions focusing on appearance-related beliefs may improve psychosocial adjustment.
