Long-term functional and psychological problems in whiplash associated disorders

In recent years, Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) have been recognized a s an increasing problem and up to 35% of patients have been reported to suf fer from persisting symptoms. The aim of this study was to describe the con sequences of pain and impairment of movement for everyday activities and dy sfunction, in a sample of 104 chronic WAD patients. It was hypothesized tha t predictors such as initial grade of injury, self-efficacy and optimism, a s well as mediating coping strategies, would influence the patients' qualit y of life in terms of dysfunction, disability, anxiety, depression and pain intensity. The results showed that chronic WAD patients differ from other groups in qu ality-of-life related indicators. Psycho social problems were more pronounc ed than physical, while there were no gender differences. There was some ev idence that use of specific coping strategies is a significant predictor of psychological well-being.