Mental health implications and psychologic factors in workers' compensation cases.

Abstract

Work-related injuries can harm mental health and affect other facets of injured workers' lives. Clinicians must be aware of the problem of emotional distress and treat the whole patient after a workplace injury. More education and information are needed for clinicians, employers, and workers' compensation carriers so that injured workers can be properly screened for mental health issues and supported during treatment. Further research is needed to establish a protocol for early intervention to minimize the negative emotional and mental health effects of workplace injuries.