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Characteristics of polytrauma patients with posttraumatic stress disorder in a level 1 trauma center

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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine if the severity of injury is related to the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in polytrauma patients and to review the personality traits of patients with PTSD.

Methods

During 2006 and 2007, 252 polytrauma patients were treated at the Medical Centre Haaglanden in The Hague, The Netherlands. Of the 174 survivors, 53 adult patients were traced and sent questionnaires. They were screened for PTSD and personality traits, coping styles, and negative cognitions, and their level of social support were assessed.

Results

PTSD was demonstrated in 22.6% of the patients.

Conclusions

An increased level of neuroticism, negative cognitions regarding themselves, and active dealing were found to be significant predictors of PTSD. However, we found no relation between the injury severity score and the prevalence of PTSD

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Conflict of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Medisch Centrum Haaglanden, The Hague, The Netherlands

    B. E. Kreis, S. A. G. Meylaerts & S. J. Rhemrev

  2. Department of Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    N. J. Y. Castano

  3. Department of Surgery–Traumatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    W. E. Tuinebreijer

  4. Department of Medical Psychology, Medisch Centrum Haaglanden, The Hague, The Netherlands

    L. C. A. Hoogenboom

  5. Groenoordstraat 16, 2316 AX, Leiden, The Netherlands

    B. E. Kreis

Authors
  1. B. E. Kreis
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  2. N. J. Y. Castano
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  3. W. E. Tuinebreijer
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  4. L. C. A. Hoogenboom
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  5. S. A. G. Meylaerts
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  6. S. J. Rhemrev
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Correspondence to B. E. Kreis.

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Kreis, B.E., Castano, N.J.Y., Tuinebreijer, W.E. et al. Characteristics of polytrauma patients with posttraumatic stress disorder in a level 1 trauma center. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 37, 269–275 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-011-0109-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-011-0109-2

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