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Published on: April 7, 2021
Delayed psychological morbidity associated with snakebite envenoming.
Shehan S Williams1, Chamara A Wijesinghe, Shaluka F Jayamanne
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka. shehan.williams@linacre-oxford.com
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|August 11, 2011
Summary
Snakebite survivors experience significant psychological distress, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), long after the initial injury. This study highlights the lasting mental health impact and functional impairment in snakebite victims.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The long-term psychological effects of snakebite envenoming remain understudied.
- Previous research has not systematically investigated delayed somatic symptoms or mental health outcomes in snakebite victims.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate delayed somatic symptoms, depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and functional impairment in individuals who have experienced snakebite.
- To explore the psychological and physical sequelae of snakebite envenoming.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative interviews and qualitative focus group discussions.
- Quantitative arm: 88 snakebite victims interviewed 12-48 months post-envenoming, compared with matched controls.
- Validated instruments including Beck Depression Inventory and PTSD Symptom Scale were used.
Main Results:
- Snakebite victims reported significantly higher scores on depression and somatic symptom checklists compared to controls.
- Over half of the victims met criteria for depressive disorder (54%), and 21.6% met criteria for PTSD.
- Significant rates of claimed negative employment changes (27%) and residual physical disability (17%) were reported.
Conclusions:
- Snakebite is associated with substantial and previously undocumented psychological morbidity.
- The findings underscore the need for further investigation into the economic and social ramifications of these long-term health impacts.
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