Purpose: Psychological effects of a traumatic experience may emerge during the acute post injury period through any of the rehabilitative phases. PTSD is the most frequently cited problem connected to trauma. Limited research exists on PT and PTSD. The purposes of this study were to investigate the: occurence of psychological sequelae following physical trauma, the relationship between psychological sequelae and perceived level of function, and to explore the possible risk factors associated with PTSD. Methods: A sequential sample of 94 subjects completed a structured interview for PTSD (CAPS and SCID-MDE) and received a survey packet (Demographic Survey, Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, SF36, and an Adapted Oswestry Questionnaire) to be returned one week later. Severity of injury was assessed by Abbreviated Injury Scale and Injury Severity Score. Seventy-four subjects completed both the initial interview and survey packet. Results: According to DSM-IV criteria prevalence of 24.5% PTSD and 18.1% subsyndromal was found. No significant differences were found between those who completed all surveys and those who only completed the initial interview. The PTSD group was significantly different from the No PTSD group on all measures. No correlations were found between severity of injury and the development of PTSD symptom, depression, or anxiety. Several risk factors that were associated with the development of PTSD symptoms and PTSD diagnosis were identified. Conclusion: Psychological impairement is common in an outpatient PT population. Screening for risk factors associated with PTSD as part of the PT examination and Implications for treatment were discussed.
