Early Psychological Aspects of Severe Hand Injury

Abstract

We investigated the incidence and nature of psychological symptoms occurring during the first two months after severe hand injuries. 94% of patients had significant symptoms at some point early in rehabilitation, including nightmares (92%), flashbacks (88%), affective lability (84%), preoccupation with phantom limb sensations (13%), concentration/attention problems (12%), cosmetic concerns (10%), fear of death (5%), and denial of amputation (3%).

Two months later, flashbacks (63%) remained pronounced. Nightmares (13%), affective lability (48%), concentration/attention problems (5%), fear of death (0%), and denial of amputation (0%) declined markedly, while cosmetic concerns (17%) and preoccupation with phantom limb sensations (17%) increased. Based on these findings, we believe that psychological treatment should often be given as part of the rehabilitation process.