A "hateful epileptic" patient in the burn unit

An interdisciplinary team discussed the case of a 31-year-old woman who sustained second- and third-degree burns while having a seizure. She was a difficult patient who elicited a good deal of negative feelings from the staff. The interview raised the possibility of this burn having been a suicidal attempt, and the subsequent discussion centered on effective ways of relating to her pathologic defense mechanisms. The need for a comprehensive approach that took into consideration the biologic, psychologic, and social aspects of her needs became evident to all the participants.