[Sociodemographic factors and their influence on anxiety and depression in patients after limb amputation].

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the score of HADS and the correlation with sociodemographic factors and personality traits in patients after limb amputation.

METHOD: 45 patients after limb amputation due to atherosclerosis and 30 persons from a control group participated in the study. HADS Scale and the Maudsley Personality Inventory created by Eysenck were used in the study. Socidemographic data were collected by means of the Sociodemographic data questionnaire.

RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, patients after limb amputation achieved a higher score in HADS-A and HADS-D and in the N scale of the Maudsley Personality Inventory. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were noticed in patients suffering from phantom limb pain and in patients with neurotic personality traits.

CONCLUSION: Patients after limb amputation need multidisciplinary care because of higher levels of anxiety and depression (especially patients with phantom limb pain and those with neurotic personality traits).