Psychological sequelae of accidents. Symptoms are seldom recognized

OBJECTIVE: To present the problems possibly associated with psychological sequelae of accidents and make proposals for appropriate therapy. MAJOR POINTS: Accidents experienced by the victim as threatening, whether associated with immediate physical or mental impairment or not, often trigger multiple psychological reactions, and may lead to psychological disorders of either a temporary or a permanent nature. Accident-related psychological symptoms or problems are almost regularly overlooked during the acute medical treatment phase. Not until psychological symptoms become evident are psycho-diagnostic and therapeutic measures undertaken. If such psychological problems, which may often manifest in physical symptoms or behavioral changes, are not recognized early on and vigorously treated, recovery of the patient may be appreciably impaired. CONCLUSIONS: The care-providing physician should expect psychological accident sequelae and give consideration to them in his overall treatment plan.