Many older adult amputees are never able to walk with a prosthesis. However, adaptation varies widely. A substantial percentage of even elderly amputees adapt quite well to their disability. Yet, surprisingly little is known about which factors contribute to successful adjustment. Research indicates that amputees are at high risk for depression and other types of psychiatric problems.
Studies suggest that about half of all amputees require some type of psychological intervention.
An amputee s degree of social discomfort, including acceptance of an amputation or prosthesis, often predicts symptoms of depression. Further, restriction of normal activities seems to play a key role in producing symptoms of depression. Even the beneficial aspects of social contacts, prosthesis use, and adequate household income are counteracted by activity restriction. Amputees less satisfied with their social contacts, prosthesis use, and income reported greater restriction of routine activities as a result of an amputation. Activity restriction, in turn, predicted more extensive signs of depression.