Post-traumatic stress disorder in maxillofacial trauma victims- A systematic review and meta-analysis

Maxillofacial trauma often results in visible facial disfigurements and can lead to psychological complications such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, PTSD often remains unrecognized and un/undertreated. The goal of the current systematic review was to determine the incidence of PTSD after maxillofacial trauma, associated risk factors, assessment tools employed, and management.

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases following PRISMA guidelines up to March 2024. Collected variables included the number of patients included, PSTD assessment tool, PTSD incidence, and risk factors and management. The meta-analysis was conducted using random effect models in STATA 16.

The review included 14 studies (1633 patients, male=1025, female=230, not mentioned=378). Assessment tools varied widely among studies. Meta-analysis revealed a pooled incidence of PTSD of 27 % (n = 14, 95 % CI, 24 %-30 %) at 1-3 months post-trauma and 10 % (n = 3, 95 % CI, 3 %-17 %) at the 6-12 months follow-up, with a statistically significant 60 % reduction between these periods.

The overall incidence of PTSD following maxillofacial trauma was 27 % at 1-3 months and decreased to 10 % after 6 months. The emphasis should be given to the importance of early intervention strategies and awareness among the treating surgeon to prevent PTSD.