REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY - A 5.5-YEAR FOLLOW-UP - PART II - SOCIAL-LIFE EVENTS, GENERAL HEALTH AND CHANGES IN OCCUPATION

The aim of this retrospective long-term follow-up study was to describ e the psychosocial aspects, such as social life events (SLE), around t he causative event of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and the psych ological history of 65 patients, 3-9 years after RSD of the upper extr emity. General health and long-term changes in occupation were assesse d by means of a general health questionnaire (RAND-36) and a structure d interview, respectively. SLE, with a life-change unit rate more than 35, was present in 32 patients. A psychological (or psychiatric) hist ory was found in 22 patients. In total, 60% of the patients had a SLE and/or a psychological history. The pain scores of the RAND-36 among R SD patients differed significantly from those of the control group. 17 patients changed occupation after RSD. Nearly 30% of the patients had to stop work for more than one year. The results show a high coincide nce between RSD and associated psychosocial disorders and this may pla y a role in intensifying and prolonging the symptomatology of RSD.