COURSE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES IN WHIPLASH INJURY - A 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP WITH AGE, GENDER AND EDUCATION PAIR-MATCHED PATIENTS

This study evaluated the course of psychological variables during a 2- year follow-up in patients after common whiplash of the cervical spine . From a sample of 117 non-selected patients with common whiplash (inv estigated on average 7.2 +/- 4.2 days after trauma) a total of 21 suff ered trauma-related symptoms over 2 years following initial injury, Th ese patients (symptomatic group) were compared with 21 age, gender and education pair-matched patients, who showed complete recovery from tr auma-related symptoms during the 2-year follow-up (asymptomatic group) , Both groups underwent standardised testing procedures (i.e., Freibur g Personality Inventory and Well-Being Scale) at referal, and at 3, 6 and 24 months. In the symptomatic group during follow-up no significan t changes in ratings of neck pain or headache were found. Significant differences between the groups and significant deviation of scores ove r time were found on the Well-Being and Nervousness Scales. There was a lack of significant difference between the groups on the Depression Scale, indicating a possible somatic basis for changes in psychologica l functioning in the investigated sample, With regard to scales of Ext raversion or Neuroticism, there were neither significant differences b etween the groups nor significant deviation over time, These results h ighlight that patients' psychological problems are rather a consequenc e than a cause of somatic symptoms in whiplash.