Psychological response to amputation as a function of age and time since amputation

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Amputee Care

Background:

• Existing research on psychological responses to amputation primarily involves veterans.
• Recent amputee populations are typically older and have pre-existing medical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of age and time since amputation on psychological well-being.
• To differentiate psychological responses in older versus younger amputees.

Main Methods:

• Assessed 66 amputees using the Symptom Checklist-90 and Beck Depression Inventory.
• Conducted interviews to gather qualitative data.
• Classified participants by age group and time elapsed since amputation.

Main Results:

• Older amputees reported fewer psychological symptoms and lower depression levels.
• Younger amputees demonstrated a correlation between longer time since amputation and increased depression/symptomatology.

Conclusions:

• Age is a significant factor influencing psychological adjustment to amputation.
• Time since amputation differentially affects psychological outcomes in younger amputees compared to older ones.