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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Severe Head Injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

T. M. McMillan*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Psychology, Wolfson Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Atkinson Morley's Hospital, Copse Hill, London SW20 0NE

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is described following a road traffic accident in which the patient suffered a severe head injury. The stress reaction was associated with intrusive thoughts and avoidance of cognitive and physical events associated with consequences of the accident. The condition was successfuly treated by behavioural intervention. It seems clear that PTSD can occur even where there is loss of consciousness and organic amnesia for the event and its immediate sequelae.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © 1991 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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