Preliminary Study on the Relationship Between Visitation in the Emergency Department and Posttraumatic Mental Health

Bryan Lubomirsky, Xin Wang, Hong Xie, Jennifer B. Smirnoff, Tracey L. Biehn, Ateka A. Contractor, Jon D. Elhai, Christine Sutu, Kristopher R. Brickman, Israel Liberzon, Samuel A. McLean, Marijo B. Tamburrino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study documented family/friend support to patients in the Emergency Department (ED), including bedside visits and transportation of patients from the ED after discharge, and measured depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms within 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after motor vehicle accidents. Stress and depression symptoms significantly decreased during the initial three months. Family/friend visitation in the ED was negatively associated with anxiety and depression symptoms within 2 weeks and with stress symptoms months after trauma. This pilot study suggests family/friend visitation in the ED is associated with fewer mental health issues in the months following an accident.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)69-80
Number of pages12
JournalSocial Work in Mental Health
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Emergency Department
  • MVA
  • familial/friend visitation
  • social support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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