Research Plus

Post-injury depression

Co-morbid depression following physical injury is a significant predictor of poor return to pre-injury function and activity. This prospective cohort study followed 248 people treated for a minor injury at a hospital emergency unit. Physical function and mental health status was determined by validated diagnostic interview at three, six and 12 months. Subjects with depression (18% of the total) were significantly less likely to have returned to their pre-injury activities of daily living and social interaction at each time point. Of those in work at the time of their injury, those with depression were 2.4-times more likely not to have returned to their pre-injury work status after one year.

Psychological Medicine 2009; 39: 1709–1720. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=6161584

Tags depression evidence based practice Return to work

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2009 (vol. 06/3) pp40