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Mental disorders after burn injury: a prospective study
Raimo Palmu1, Kirsi Suominen, Jyrki Vuola
1Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. raimo.palmu@thl.fi
Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|November 18, 2010
Summary
Over half of burn patients experience mental disorders, with prevalence decreasing over time. Burn severity strongly predicts risks for conditions like anxiety and delirium.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Care
- Burn Medicine
Background:
- Burn injuries significantly impact patient mental health.
- Prevalence and types of mental disorders post-burn require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively examine mental disorder prevalence after burn injury.
- To assess the correlation between burn severity and mental disorders.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 107 adult burn patients underwent structured diagnostic interviews.
- Assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 months post-injury, with burn severity estimated by %TBSA.
Main Results:
- 55% of patients had at least one mental disorder during the 6-month follow-up.
- Burn severity (%TBSA) independently predicted mental disorders, particularly anxiety and delirium.
- Point prevalence of mental disorders decreased from 45% in acute care to 33% at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- More than half of burn patients develop mental disorders, with prevalence declining post-acute phase.
- Mental disorders are not limited to depression and PTSD.
- A strong link exists between burn severity and certain post-burn mental disorders.
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