A field study of the stress response syndrome. Young women after hysterectomy.

The symptom pattern previously delineated as the stress response syndrome in a mental health setting was hypothesized to be useful in conceptualizing reactions to a traumatic event in a nonpsychiatric patient population. The experience of loss resulting from nonelective hysterectomy for benign disease in women of childbearing age was selected as a relevant field study model. Twenty-eight women were studied one year after hysterectomy, using extensive psychological interviewing by women clinicians and experiential rating scales. Twelve subjects had a mild stress response syndrome, and five subjects had a serious level of intrusive and avoidant symptoms. Increasing severity of response was associated with persisting child-wish, deterioration in sexual functioning, and change in self-concept. Women who did well postoperatively generally had no future wish for children and were actively committed to achievement outside of the home.