Emotional problems of the severely burned patient

In this article we have tried to present an overview of some of the common emotional responses and problems seen in severely burned patients. We have suggested that first consideration be given to learning what sort of person the patient is and becoming familiar with what the burned patient experiences. General preventive measures were suggested that included establishment of clear communication between patient and staff so that the patient has the best understanding possible of the nature of the injury and the treatment, allowing the patients as much control as possible in the treatment process, and providing adequate analgesic medication. We have described what may be observed when patients become anxious, fearful, angry, depressed, regressed, and psychotic, and have attempted to facilitate an understanding of what is occurring in patients showing these responses. Some common reactions of medical and nursing staff to the various emotional reactions were mentioned. In the final section we attempted to deal briefly with the responses of children and measures that can be taken with them. Most of the therapeutic measures suggested can be carried out by nonpsychiatric personnel if they are able to be empathetic and in touch with their own reactions to patients and to utilized common sense.