Elsevier

Burns

Volume 23, Issues 7–8, November–December 1997, Pages 550-554
Burns

Scientific and clinical paper
An investigation of the prevalence of psychological morbidity in burn-injured patients

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-4179(97)00083-1Get rights and content

Abstract

Research on the psychological impact of burn injuries has concentrated on major burns, while small burns have been largely neglected. In a prospective study, 45 patients with burn injuries ranging from 1 per cent or less up to 40 per cent total body surface area were assessed using semi-structured interviews within 2 weeks of sustaining the burn, and followed-up at approximately 3 months postburn to investigate the prevalence of mental health problems. The prevalence of clinically significant levels of anxiety, intrusions and avoidance remained similar at 2 weeks and 3 months postburn, however, the prevalence of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) increased 6- and 4-times, respectively, by 3 months. Patients with small burn injuries of 1 per cent or less also experienced clinically significant levels of psychological difficulties postburn. The implications for the identification of patients at risk of future psychological morbidity are discussed.

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This study was submitted by the first author as part of the qualification of Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and is the property of the University of Manchester.

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