Types of psychological reactions in patients with lower-extremity amputations

The aim of this study was to establish types of psychological reactions and conditions in patients with lower-extremity amputations. Apart from using psychological interviews, detection was performed using psychometric tests: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Psychometric parameters were analyzed in a group of 20 examinees treated at the Medical Rehabilitation Clinic in Novi Sad. Out of the whole sample, 45% of patients presented with adaptive reactions to amputation and consequent disability, whereas 55% presented with maladaptive responses. The registered psychopathological symptoms included nosologic categories: reaction to stressful events and adjustment disorder (predominantly affecting other emotions; mixed disorder of conduct and emotions; prolonged depressive reaction) and dysthymia. When working with lower-extremity amputees, apart from adaptive, nonpathological forms of behavior, one also encounters maladaptive responses with predomination of mood disorders due to severe somatic stress.