Psychiatric Sequelae of Amputation : I Immediate Effects

Twenty-five subjects, who had undergone amputation within last 6 weeks, were studied for psychiatric complications, including phantom limb phenomena. The patients were interviewed on SCID, HRSD and HARS. Out of a total of 25 subjects, 8 (34.6%) developed psychiatric disorders - PTSD and major depression. The whole sample was thus divided into 2 groups-sick and nonsick. Phantom limb was seen in 88% subjects. No significant difference was present between the two groups with regard to presence of phantom, its associated phenomena of pain, telescopy and movement. A statistically significant difference was seen in psychiatric sickness in relation to upper and lower limb.