Psychosocial aspects of limb amputation : the impact of age differences

Abstract EN

This study was designed to identify the psychological and social adjustment aspects in amputees of various ages.

Fifty-one amputee patients participated in this study, twenty-six patients above fifty years of age and twenty-five patients below this age.

All patients were assessed by using the Arabic version of a personality test, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and Psychosocial Adjustment Scale.

Results showed that the main reason for amputations was due to accidents.

Results of comparing the older and younger amputees on the MMPI and psychosocial Adjustment Scale revealed that younger amputee patients have a significantly higher score regarding depression and anxiety disorders and are less able to adjust than older amputee patients.