Overview This article describes in detail what constitutes a travel phobia and the effects of traffic accidents on driver and passenger behaviour and confidence. It examines the specific causes and factors. The mental health practitioner's role in recognising, evaluating treating and/or giving health education advice is explored. Self-assessment questions are given to test the reader's knowledge.

Chronic pain is the most common cluster of symptoms presented post-trauma. However the multi-faceted nature of this pain, including its psychological sequelae are often undetected in the medico-legal process until late in the proceedings. A review of the salient factors, a decision-making model and case study illustrate the importance of interplay between orthopedic and psychological assessments.

Developments in the area of post-traumatic growth are described and discussed with particular reference to the possible trauma of being involved in a road traffic accident. Research and clinical experience from both the USA and UK are outlined. Several different types of road accidents are described in terms of impact, physical injury and psychological reaction. Common areas of post-traumatic growth are described when building a positive growth-oriented narrative with victims. The importance of developing a robust set of core beliefs which can foster resilience to face future challenges is outlined. Reflections are given as how post-traumatic growth can occur both for victims and, vicariously for assessing or treating clinicians. There is an impact on clinicians of working with accident victims and this potential ‘vicarious traumatisation is discussed.

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The documentation of the normal psychiatric interview has been omitted in the ICD 10 classification. Particularly, psychiatric consultants have to deal with the practical problem of adequate classification of patients with normal psychopathology. To use unspecific codes or to omit the coding of the findings are no suitable solutions. Future revision of the ICD 10 classification should integrate the normal psychiatric interview.