Psychiatric Morbidity and Coping Mechanisms in Limb Amputation Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in a Rural Tertiary Care Center

Context: Amputation is a major life event associated with physical disability and significant psychosocial consequences. Patients often experience emotional distress, and the presence of psychiatric comorbidities can influence their recovery and adaptation postamputation. Aims: This study aimed to assess the clinical and demographic profile of amputees and to evaluate coping strategies and psychiatric comorbidities postamputation. Settings and Design: An observational study conducted in a rural tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Data of 150 participants were collected, reviewed after a detailed clinical interview, and a diagnosis was made based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The coping strategies were also assessed using the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief) scale. Results: Of 150 participants, the majority were males (81.3%) and belonging to a lower socioeconomic status (74%). Above-knee amputations were the most frequent (49.3%), with diabetic gangrene identified as the leading cause of limb amputation. Major depressive disorder (MDD) (22.7%) and dysthymia (11.3%) were the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities. Positive reframing and planning were the most common coping strategies used, whereas humor, acceptance, and religion were less frequent. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant psychological distress experienced by individuals having limb amputations, especially in the form of MDD, and dysthymia. The findings are also suggestive of reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms among many individuals, thus highlighting the need for concomitant psychiatry screening for these patients postamputation.