Whiplash and post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the comorbidity of whiplash and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following motor vehicle accidents. A treatment strategy in cases with both disorders is proposed.

Method: A review of the literature on psychological consequences of motor vehicle accidents and on risk factors associated with developing chronic whiplash complaints is given. A case report is presented to illustrate the treatment strategy.

Results: Traffic accidents lead to psychological complaints more often than is realized in clinical practice. It is estimated that PTSD occurs in at least 25% of traffic accident victims who sustain physical injuries. This number is probably higher in patients with chronic whiplash complaints. The case report shows that improvement in relation with the post-traumatic stress symptoms can have a beneficial effect on coping with the chronic whiplash complaints.

Conclusions: The psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with chronic whiplash complaints and PTSD should be aimed primarily at coping with the trauma and not at the chronic pain complaints.