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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.
Abstract:
Within 1 to 4 months of their motor vehicle accident (MVA), we assessed 158 MVA victims who sought medical attention as a result of the MVA. Using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS: Blake, Weathers, Nagy, Kaloupek, Klauminzer, Charney & Keane, 1990. National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Boston, MA)., we found that 62 (39%) met DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press) criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Using variables from the victim's account of the accident and its sequelae, pre-MVA psychosocial functioning, demographic variables, pre-MVA psychopathology and degree of physical injury, we found that 70% of the subjects could be classified as PTSD or not with 4 variables: prior major depression, fear of dying in the MVA, extent of physical injury and whether litigation had been initiated. Using multiple regression to predict the continuous variable of total CAPS score, as a measure of post-traumatic stress symptoms, we found that 8 variables combined to predict 38.1% of variance (Multiple R = 0.617).
Insights
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.