Trauma victims showing early signs of psychological problems may go on to have physical ailments too.
Each year, nearly three million Americans suffer trauma, from accidents or violence. Around ten per cent experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the year after their injury. Researchers at the University of Washington have been studying the outcomes for these patients.

In this study, 73 patients were studied, all of whom had had surgery for intentional or non-intentional injury. Around a third had PTSD symptoms and 42 per cent were depressed. A year later, these patients were more likely than other trauma patients to be experiencing physical symptoms that could not be explained by any medical condition. The study suggests that patients with trauma should be monitored with care for signs of psychological distress. This may save them from physical problems later on.