Accident Neurosis Revisited

Abstract

It is over a quarter of a century since Henry Miller's classical paper on accident neurosis appeared in which he stressed the importance of compensation proceedings in perpetuating symptoms following accidents or trauma when there was no organic basis for them. Since then, his views have held sway with the medical and legal professions, despite a large body of research which has disputed his findings. In addition to a consideration of the aetiology and diagnosis of this condition, psychiatric management of such cases is critically reviewed, emphasizing the possible influence of iatrogenic factors on outcome and prognosis.