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Individuals often develop chronic problems after traumatic events.  Previous studies have shown that after minor motor vehicle collision (MVC), up to 1/3 of patients will develop psychological sequelae, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders.  In addition, 10-30% of patients develop chronic regional pain (neck or back pain). Despite their common occurrence, the risk factors and processes of disease development for these disorders remain poorly understood.

The CRASH studies are the first large cohort studies that perform a comprehensive examination of patient outcomes after minor MVC trauma. EA CRASH enrolled a large European American cohort and examined genotypic and phenotypic characteristics associated with the recovery process after motor vehicle collision. AA CRASH enrolled an African American cohort and performed an initial evaluation of ethnic differences in the recovery process after motor vehicle collision.

These studies were funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (R01AR056328). Dr. McLean is PI of these studies.