Psychological aspects of treatment and rehabilitation of the spinal cord injured person.

The various phases of the usual or normal reaction to the experienced loss which follows a spinal cord injury include: denial, withdrawal, internalized hostility, externalized hostility, and reaction against dependence. There are also various implications of the major categories or pre-existing psychopathology as they interact with a spinal cord injury in the rehabilitation processes. The major forms of pre-existing psychopathology are: depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and neuroses. The psychological management of pain problems is facilitated by a phenomenological classification of pain sensations from the paralyzed portion of the body. Sexual functioning is an early concern of the patient and the rehabilitation program should consider his individual requirements. The family is an important part of the total rehabilitation program.