Reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper extremity - a 5.5-year follow-up - Part II. Social life events, general health and changes in occupation

The aim of this retrospective long-term follow-up study was to describe the psychosocial aspects, such as social life events (SLE), around the causative event of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and the psychological history of 65 patients, 3-9 years after RSD of the upper extremity. General health and long-term changes in occupation were assessed by means of a general health questionnaire (RAND-36) and a structured interview, respectively.

SLE, with a life-change unit rate more than 35, was present in 32 patients. A psychological (or psychiatric) history was found in 22 patients. In total, 60% of the patients had a SLE and/or a psychological history. The pain scores of the RAND-36 among RSD patients differed significantly from those of the control group. 17 patients changed occupation after RSD. Nearly 30% of the patients had to stop work for more than one year.

The results show a high coincidence between RSD and associated psychosocial disorders and this may play a role in intensifying and prolonging the symptomatology of RSD.