The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Consequences of Spinal Injury

Abstract

Objective: to study the effectiveness of psychotherapy in patients with consequences of spinal injury. Material and methods. The research included 113 people, who were divided into two groups: 1a (n = 56) - those who underwent a course of psychotherapy, 1b (n = 57) - those who did not. The Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were applied for the diagnosis. Painful sensations were evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Questionnaire for Neuropathic Pain (DN4 questionnaire). Results. The comparative analysis of groups 1a and 1b revealed significant differences in the input criteria of the MADRS (U = 1105.5, Z = 2.82, p = 0.005) and the Taylor (U = 1105.5, Z = 2.82, p = 0.005), which were leveled after a course of psychotherapy. Significant differences in the consistent comparison of the VAS test results were also found (1a - χ² = 7.35, p = 0.025; 1b - χ² = 3.63, p < 0.016), DN4 (1a - Z = 4.23, p = 0.00002; 1b - Z = 2.75, p = 0.006), TAS (1a - χ² = 20.51, p < 0.00004, 1b - χ² = 1.20, p < 0.55). Conclusion . The analysis of the results obtained in the group of the patients who had undergone psychotherapy, showed lower perception of pain syndrome, decreased alexithymia, anxiety and depression rates.