Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
Prevalence and risk factors for acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder after burn injury
Lauren B Nosanov1, Nicholas J Prindeze2, Daniel M Schneider3
1Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Firefighters' Burn and Surgical Research Laboratory, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA.
Background:
Psychological consequences of burn injury can be profound. Acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known sequelae, but routine identification is challenging. This study aims to identify patient characteristics associated with outpatient positive screens.
Methods:
The Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder questionnaire (PC-PTSD-4) was administered at initial outpatient Burn Center visits between 5/2018-12/2018. Demographics, injury mechanism, and total body surface area (TBSA) were recorded. Those with ≥3 affirmative answers were considered positive. Patients with positive and negative screens were compared.
Results:
Of 307 surveys collected, 292 (median TBSA 1.5 %, IQR 0.5-4.0 %) remained for analysis after exclusions. Of those, 24.0 % screened positive. Positive screens were associated with presence of a deep component of the injury, injury mechanism, upper extremity involvement, ICU admission, and prolonged hospital length of stay.
Conclusions:
Numerous factors distinguish burn injury from other traumatic mechanisms and contribute to disproportionate rates of traumatic stress disorders. Optimization of burn-oriented ASD and PTSD screening protocols can enable earlier intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Traumatic Memory
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Dissociative Identity Disorder

