prevalence of mental disorders in adolescent victims of motor-vehicle collisions

background: the scientific literature highlighted the relevance of psychopathological symptoms and psychiatric disordersamong the victims of accidents. the research that focused on non-fatal injuries has paid limited attention to mental disorders in adolescent victims of motor vehicle collisions (mvcs). however, adolescents’ emotional-behavioural functioning and psychopathological risk can be related to their likability of being victims of road accidents. objectives: this study aimed to synthesize data gathered in an italian emergency department, specifically focusing on adolescents attending the service for the physical consequences of a motor vehicle collision. methods: an ad hoc anamnestic self-report questionnaire was administered to 410 adolescents involved in mvcs. results and conclusions: this preliminary report shows that non-fatal injuries are very common among adolescents, being particularly related to poor mental health.