Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) often have clinically significant psychological sequelae. Victims frequently are left with multiple comorbid psychological and physical disorders, with the most prevalent psychological problems being post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, pain-related conditions, and phobic avoidance of stimuli associated with the accident. In this article, the authors review the psychological assessment and treatment of MVA victims. It is important to assess the nature and subjective meaning of the accident and to examine the functional relationships between physical injuries and emotional disorders. Important issues for treatment include selecting behavioral and cognitive interventions, determining the sequence of interventions, and dealing with complications such as litigation and medication use. These points are illustrated with case examples.
Abstract