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Who develops PTSD from motor vehicle accidents?
E B Blanchard1, E J Hickling, A E Taylor
1Center for Stress and Anxiety Disorders, University at Albany-SUNY 12203, USA.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Motor vehicle accident survivors may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Prior depression, fear of dying, injury severity, and litigation predict PTSD risk in accident victims.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a significant cause of trauma.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a potential consequence of traumatic events.
- Understanding risk factors for PTSD after MVAs is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PTSD in MVA victims seeking medical attention.
- To identify predictors of PTSD development following an MVA.
- To assess the utility of specific variables in classifying PTSD status.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 158 MVA victims was assessed 1-4 months post-accident.
- The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) was used for diagnosis.
- Multiple regression analysis was employed to identify predictive variables.
Main Results:
- 39% of MVA victims met DSM-III-R criteria for PTSD.
- Four variables (prior major depression, fear of dying, physical injury extent, litigation status) classified 70% of subjects.
- Eight variables collectively predicted 38.1% of the variance in total CAPS scores.
Conclusions:
- PTSD is a common outcome for individuals involved in MVAs.
- Specific pre-existing and accident-related factors significantly contribute to PTSD risk.
- These findings can inform early identification and targeted interventions for MVA survivors.