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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Risk Factor for Poor Work Outcomes in Survivors of Road Trauma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2015

Lynda R. Matthews ,
Darien L. Chinnery ,
Alex Blaszczynski ,
Derrik Silove  and
Ken Hillman
Lynda R. Matthews*
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney
Darien L. Chinnery
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney
Alex Blaszczynski
Affiliation:
The University of Sydney
Derrik Silove
Affiliation:
The University of New South Wales
Ken Hillman
Affiliation:
South Western Sydney Area Health Service
*
The University of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe NSW 1825, Australia
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Abstract

Risk factors associated with post-injury return to work are well documented. Less is known of the impact of PTSD on work outcomes. Information on worker and accident risk factors was obtained by survey, hospital records and personal interview with 40 road trauma survivors two years post-accident: Results suggest that while PTSD was an independent risk factor for negative work outcomes, PTSD also significantly contributed to the overall adverse impact of anxiety, depression and pain on work outcomes. The lack of improvement in work outcomes between from 12 weeks post-accident for those with PTSD indicated that early vocational interventions are critical for this population.

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Type
Articles
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The Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , 2001 , pp. 95 - 105
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2001

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