Accidents Can Change Lives

After a Motor Vehicle Accident or Personal Trauma, Psychological Symptoms are Common. 50% of persons injured in motor vehicle accidents suffer from psychological problems. The key psychological factor in the development of trauma symptoms seems to be, that even for just a few moments, there is an experience of intense fear and the expectation or experience of personal harm.

The following symptoms of psychological disorders result in a general reduction in a person's ability to function. Each person has a unique and personal constellation of symptoms.

Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Individual vary in the symptoms that they experience. It is normal to experience these symptoms after an accident. Seeing a psychologist will help to resolve them more quickly and cold prevent the development of chronic problems. 

• Anxiety levels are raised - in situations where the person may feel at risk or in any situation that reminds them of the incident
• Chronic physical tension may increase pain levels
• Panic attacks may begin
• Intrusive thoughts and images, sometimes flashbacks
• Vulnerability levels are raised - even in one's home, as most people loose trust in others
• Confidence decreases as there is a loss of the ability to cope
• Suspicion increases - victims report feeling “paranoid” about most people with whom they come in contact
• Sleep Disturbances - reminiscent nightmares are common
• Fatigue arising from sleep problems and anxiety
• Depression
• Concentration and memory may be poor - some victims are unable to work
• Aggressive outbursts and Irritability - inconsequential incidents may take on huge proportions
• A sense of isolation and withdrawal from others  - victims may withdraw from social contact, believing no one else understands their situation
• Avoidance of the feared object or situation. Anxiety is endured when close to the feared object or situation
• Physical symptoms of stress such as  aches and pains, headaches and gastro-intestinal problems may develop

Chronic Pain and Depression

High levels of chronic pain often make many activities, work recreation and work around the home, difficult and painful. This often leads to the development of depressive symptoms and withdrawal from activities, friends and relatives.

• Concentration levels drop
• Making decisions is hard
• Distraction and focus on pain – P\pain levels can be ignored on a temporary basis but demand attention as they increase.
• Interpersonal withdrawal and a sense of personal isolation
• Depressed mood, pessimism, diminished interest or lack of motivation
• Sleep disturbance
• Fatigue and loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or low self esteem

Pain management counselling will involve cognitive therapy for depression, learning relaxation skills, how to pace activity and to change self-talk and develop positive attitudes. Often new life goals need to be adopted and relationships have to be renegotiated.

Adjustment Disorders

It can be expected that many people will experience symptoms of stress after being in an accident, perhaps being injured and having had a shock. This is normal and often symptoms may resolve. However, they may be severe enough to interfere with relationships or your ability to work. In this case seeing a psychologist is appropriate. Provision of high quality support and psychological treatment soon after the event can assist recovery and settle symptoms more quickly.

Symptoms of an Adjustment Disorder are:

• Physical Symptoms - stomach upset, skin rash, headaches, fatigue
• Loss of the ability to control emotions - a person may flare up suddenly into anger, tears or laughter.
• Poor motivation. a person may sit around, unable to get started. However, if someone works with them, they can do the work.
• Sensitivity - relative intolerance of sensory stimulation.
• Irritability - loss of the ability to ignore things which were previously tolerated.
• Unpredictability - changed response patterns, which superficially resemble a change in personality.   
• Loss of perspective - an unbalanced focus on one or more aspect of their situation

Driving Anxiety

Fear or nervousness when driving often occurs after an accident and for some people may persist in the long term. Individuals are unwilling to accept the risk that they may be involved in another accident and strangely their anxiety when driving may make them less safe on the road.

• High anxiety when driving a car
• High anxiety when being a passenger
• Avoidance of driving completely
• Partial avoidance, staying in the local area

Rose Park psychologists treat driving anxiety with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Medicolegal Reports

 We are experienced in providing Medicolegal Assessments and recommend that you speak to your lawyer about this. We assess psychological disorders – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Adjustment Disorders Anxiety disorders, the psychosocial impact of pain and disability. We use standard psychological assessment questionnaires and report on them in our assessment reports.

Seeing a psychologist after a motor vehicle accident or work injury

It is best to see a psychologist as soon as possible after being in an accident. You should ask your GP for a referral and contact your claim manager before making an appointment if you would like the cost to be covered by insurance.