Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common finding after car accidents. I routinely treat these types of injuries and find that patients usually report varying degrees of fear/stress when riding in a car after the accident. In some cases PTSD can be so severe that people will do everything possible to avoid riding in a car again. Many physicians don’t realize that PTSD is a reality in the motor vehicle crashes (MVC), and they don’t ask. I routinely question patients that have been in MVCs to determine if they suffer from PTSD. If PTSD is evident then a referral for medical management and psychotherapy may be appropriate.
Dr. Shook practices physical medicine in Hickory, NC. One of Dr. Shook’s primary clinical focuses is in the treatment of bodily injury, including auto accidents, whiplash injuries, and work injuries.
This is a very real event. I have seen it first hand. I have had seemingly normal patients and safe drivers suffer from PTSD after car crashes. The most recent guy is now very nervous about driving and is slowly recovering. He gave up driving altogether for a while. I’m glad you brought up the topic it is a real one. This is one more reason why whiplash victims should seek council.
Hi Dr. White, thank you for your comments. Regarding PTSD, it is absolutely a common finding in those that have been in motor vehicle crashes. PTSD is documented in the literature to occur after MVC and patients have to be evaluated and referred accordingly. If you would like more information or the literature reference just let me know.