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