PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF SPINAL-INJURY - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The traumatic nature of spinal cord injury necessitates adjustments for the individual physically, socially, vocationally and sexually, as well as placing great strain on the family. Although one would suspect a high prevalence of psychological disruption following spinal cord injury, there is still much debate concerning the extent of the psychological reaction to such a trauma. This situation can partly be attributed to the lack of systematic research characteristic of most studies in this area. This paper reviews more recent literature which has investigated psychological morbidity in persons with spinal cord injury. The inadequacies of this research are discussed and suggestions for future research and psychological treatment for the spinal injured are provided. © 1990, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. All rights reserved.