Car Accidents Can Lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

People who have been in severe car accidents should be screened for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is more prevalent than most people realize and whose symptoms can last for decades. This recommendation to primary care physicians comes from Dennis J. Butler, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin Professor of Family and Community Medicine, and H. Steven Moffic, MD, Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical College.

Published in the August 1999 issue of American Family Physician, the article notes that about nine percent of the 3.5 million people injured in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. each year develop "significant post-traumatic stress symptoms." Such symptoms include difficulty concentrating, irritability, insomnia, feelings of detachment from others, difficulty driving and riding in a car and persistent thoughts about the accident.

"Patients should be reassured that PTSD is a reaction to the stress of trauma, that it follows a predictable course and that it often resolves with timely intervention." said Dr. Butler.

While shock, nervousness, anger and guilt after a car accident are typical, they may evolve into PTSD, particularly if the accident was severe, involved fatalities, or if the individual had underlying psychiatric disorders or a prior traumatic experience.

The report illustrates the particularly severe case of a 34-year-old man who still experienced insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, persistent worry and headaches 12 years after an auto accident. In the accident, the man struck a bridge abutment, suffered a broken leg and jaw and was trapped in his van for more than an hour during which he could smell gasoline.

The man returned to work and received a settlement six years after the accident, but continued to suffer from psychological effects. A combination of psychotherapy and medication helped free him from symptoms that included obsessive showering and cleaning rituals.

Dr. Moffic practices at Froedtert Hospital and other sites throughout the area. For more information or to set up an appointment, please call 414-805-3666.

MCW Health News presents up-to-date information on patient care and medical research by the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.