Post-Trauma Mental Health: A Sister's Struggle After an Accident

Q: Post-Trauma Mental Health: A Sister's Struggle After an Accident

Hello, Jun-Min： If the physician has not seen the patient's condition prior to the car accident, it is difficult to assess the causal relationship based on the post-accident condition. <br>Diagnosing a disease requires a period of follow-up treatment to confirm, so determining th

Mental and physical labor?

Hello, Dr.
Liang.
My 36-year-old sister, who has become increasingly strange since a car accident last year, was diagnosed with only a mild concussion in the emergency room.
She has started to hear sounds, sometimes of brakes and sometimes of collisions.
She has always been introverted, but now she never leaves the house, and her hygiene habits have deteriorated significantly.
I want to take her to see a doctor, but she resists strongly.
It was only after much effort that we managed to take her to a nearby hospital to see a psychiatrist.
Now, it’s just me and my mother, who suffers from depression, taking care of my sister.

1.
I would like to ask if my mother can apply for insurance compensation for my sister.
The insurance company only accepts claims for organic mental disorders.
My sister only has a concussion and no intracranial bleeding.
The doctor mentioned that it would be difficult to issue a diagnosis of organic mental disorder after treatment.
Is this really the case, Dr.
Liang?
2.
If we successfully persuade my sister to start treatment, will she need to be hospitalized?
3.
Is there a way to indicate in the diagnosis that my sister's symptoms are a result of the car accident? The insurance company mentioned, "You need to prove that this accident caused the symptoms." I would appreciate any advice you can provide, Dr.
Liang.

Junmin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/20

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello, Jun-Min: If the physician has not seen the patient's condition prior to the car accident, it is difficult to assess the causal relationship based on the post-accident condition.
Diagnosing a disease requires a period of follow-up treatment to confirm, so determining the specific diagnosis necessitates sufficient examination, treatment, and monitoring.
There are indeed situations where confirmation may not be possible.
The physician's expertise is more beneficial in stabilizing the psychiatric symptoms through treatment.

Reply Date: 2016/11/20

More Info

Understanding the mental health struggles that can arise after a traumatic event, such as a car accident, is crucial for both the affected individual and their family. In the case of your sister, who has experienced significant changes in behavior and mental health following a mild concussion, it is important to recognize that psychological effects can manifest even when there is no visible physical injury.
1. Insurance Claims and Diagnosis: The challenge you face with the insurance company stems from their requirement for a diagnosis of an organic mental disorder. While your sister's initial diagnosis was a mild concussion, it is possible for individuals to experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event. These symptoms may not always be classified as "organic" but can still significantly impact her quality of life. It is essential to have a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional who can assess her symptoms and provide a diagnosis that may be more acceptable to the insurance company. This may include PTSD or adjustment disorder, which can arise after trauma.

2. Treatment Options: If you are able to persuade your sister to seek treatment, the need for hospitalization will depend on the severity of her symptoms and her willingness to engage in treatment. In many cases, outpatient therapy can be effective, especially if she is willing to participate in counseling or therapy sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often recommended for individuals dealing with trauma, as it can help them process their experiences and develop coping strategies. If her symptoms are severe, such as suicidal thoughts or inability to care for herself, hospitalization may be necessary for her safety and to provide intensive support.

3. Documenting the Connection to the Accident: When it comes to documenting the connection between her symptoms and the car accident, it is crucial to have a mental health professional who can provide a detailed assessment. They can note in their report that her symptoms began following the accident and provide a narrative that links her current mental health struggles to the traumatic event. This documentation can be vital for insurance claims and for ensuring she receives the appropriate care.

In summary, it is important to approach your sister's situation with compassion and understanding. Encourage her to seek help, and consider involving a mental health professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. This professional can also assist in navigating the complexities of insurance claims related to mental health issues. Remember, recovery from trauma is a process, and with the right support, your sister can find a path toward healing.

Similar Q&A

Struggling with Trauma: Finding Hope Amidst Mental Health Challenges

Hello. I have witnessed domestic violence in the past, and my sister has also abused my younger sister. There are many things I can't talk about with others; it seems that since I started to have memories, they have all been bad. However, I can't forget or stop thinking...

Dr. Su Zongwei reply Psychiatry
1. Your situation is urgent; you must see a psychiatrist. 2. Hearing voices indicates that the neurotransmitters in your brain are disrupted and require medication treatment. 3. Delaying treatment can affect your IQ, which is very important. 4. Therefore, this is no longer ...

Understanding Emotional Outbursts After Trauma: A Guide for Families

1. The symptoms described may be referred to as an acute stress reaction or adjustment disorder with dissociative symptoms, which can manifest as temporary memory loss and emotional distress following a traumatic event. 2. In terms of treatment, it is important to provide a supp...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello! It is crucial to take your sister to see a doctor as soon as possible; there is no time to waste! There are several possible diagnoses, and the treatment methods vary, so it is essential for a physician to make the determination. Generally, acute episodes have a good progn...

Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Mental and Physical Health

Since college, my health has been deteriorating. During elementary school, my father passed away suddenly and under strange circumstances. My mother, overwhelmed with grief, turned to alcohol (I still suspect she may have developed alcohol dependence, but that's another stor...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello: Throughout your life, you have experienced a series of pressures that can inevitably lead to negative effects such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The events of the past are not your fault, so it is advisable to first show understanding and care for yourself. Rationa...

Dealing with a Troubled Sibling: Navigating Mental Health Challenges

I have a 28-year-old sister who is six years older than me, and her behavior has always been quite abnormal. Since childhood, she often physically assaulted me, and our parents did not discipline her; they only intervened when she did something extreme. She never had any true fri...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Netizens can request assessment and treatment assistance for suspected mental illness from local mental health centers, health bureaus, or health stations. Dr. Wu En-Liang.