Which term denotes psychosocial factors that may affect recovery in WAD?

• A. Red flag
• B. Yellow flag
• C. Green flag
• D. Blue flag

Answer: (B)

Yellow flags are psychosocial risk factors that may affect recovery in whiplash-associated disorders. They include fear of movement, catastrophizing about pain, anxiety or depression, low self-efficacy, and avoidance behaviors. These factors can predict slower recovery and more disability because they shape how a person engages with treatment, moves, and returns to activity. Recognizing them early guides interventions such as education, cognitive-behavioral strategies, graded activity, and supportive return-to-work planning to improve outcomes. Red flags indicate urgent medical issues, green flags are positive recovery factors, and blue flags relate to work-related or systemic factors distinct from these psychological risks.