Psychological sequelae of mountain accidents: a preliminary study

J Psychosom Res. 1996 Jul;41(1):55-63. doi: 10.1016/0022-3999(96)00050-5.

Abstract

Studies of the victims of road traffic accidents and of violent crime have shown that a significant minority continue to display mood disorders and posttraumatic symptoms one year later; however, few studies have been conducted on victims of other kinds of accident. Thirty-one subjects admitted to hospitals after a mountain accident in the Scottish Highlands were followed up at 3-month intervals over 9 months to determine the prevalence of psychological sequelae; a variety of questionnaires were used to measure mood and other psychological effects. A large minority experienced at least mild depression and other negative consequences at follow-up, despite relatively minor physical injuries; subjects who experienced intrusive thoughts and avoidance of accident-related phenomena demonstrated the least recovery.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents / psychology*
  • Adjustment Disorders / diagnosis
  • Adjustment Disorders / psychology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Athletic Injuries / psychology*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mountaineering / injuries*
  • Mountaineering / psychology
  • Personality Inventory
  • Scotland
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology