Psychological morbidity in adult burns patients: Prevalence and treatment

Abstract

The literature on psychological disorders resulting from exposure to fire or burn injury is reviewed. Despite methodological difficulties and the possible changing patterns of psychological morbidity due to improvements in medical care, estimates indicate that at least 30% to 40% of burn injury patients will suffer from marked and persistent psychological disorders. Attention is paid to the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in adult burn patients: estimates of PTSD vary from 7% to 45%, depending on the timing of the assessment. The dearth of psychological treatment studies is emphasized. Suggestions are made for the prevention and treatment of psychological disorders in adult burn patients, based on the idea of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Case examples are given to exemplify this approach. It is concluded that controlled trials of psychological intervention are required.