The initial psychiatric evaluation of individuals with spinal cord
injuries should focus on the patients' coping strategies; this information
is an essential part of the treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Psychiatrists can also work effectively with staff members in groups
designed to ease the strain of working with severely disabled patients.
Such patients may have psychiatric illnesses that are not secondary to the
injury; careful selection of antidepressant or antipsychotic medication is
essential. The author points out that the psychiatrist has much to offer in
the treatment of individuals with spinal cord and other severely disabling
injuries.Abstract Teaser