[The influence of different accident types on the process of trauma adaption and psychosocial adjustment]

Accidents often have a traumatic impact on the victims. The influence of individual trauma adjustment on psychosocial convalescence is examined according to the different types of accidental event.

192 accident victims were consecutively examined over a period of 12 months. Subjective trauma evaluation and characteristics of trauma adjustment were assessed and differentiated according to the type of accidental event (motor-vehicle, work, and recreational activity accident).

The three groups varied in their demographics, in injury severity (ISS), in subjective evaluation, in symptoms of mental and posttraumatic stress, and in the predicting variables. The lowest level of stress after 12 months was found after accidents that had occurred during recreational activities. The prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms was similar among motor-vehicle and work-accident victims, whereas victims of recreational activity accidents primarily showed symptoms of other Axis I disorders.

Individual adjustment to trauma and the type of accident influence mental health. The role of other variables (work re-entry, claims, financial compensation) also has to be considered. We accentuate the need for immediate psychiatric evaluation and intervention when necessary.