An investigation of the prevalence of psychological morbidity in burn-injured patients

Research on the psychological impact of burn injuries has concentrated on major bums, while small burns have been largely neglected. In a prospective study, 45 patients with burn injuries ranging from I 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 I 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. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd for ISBI. All rights reserved.