[Psychological changes following whiplash injury of the cervical vertebrae]

To evaluate the frequently attributed psychogenic origin of symptoms following "whiplash" injury, 66 patients who had suffered such an injury underwent clinical and psychometric examination. Data were collected on subjective symptoms and their possible psychogenic origin and psychopathology. Personality profile, subjective well-being and cognitive impairment were evaluated. The amount of long-lasting psychopathological alterations was comparatively small. The results do not support the notion of a psychogenic origin for symptoms after "whiplash" injury; personality traits and psychopathology do not explain the nature of the complaints.