The Influence of Pre-Existing Psychiatric Conditions on the Incidence and Mortality of Severe Burn Injuries

Background/Objectives: It is often assumed that patients with pre-existing psychiatric conditions are more prone to severe burn injuries due to impaired judgment or risky behaviors. However, the relationship between psychiatric illnesses and the incidence and severity of burn injuries remains unclear. This study aims to examine the prevalence of psychiatric illnesses among severely burned patients and compare it to the general population. Methods: We analyzed the data of all patients admitted to our burn intensive care unit with severe burn injuries between 2014 and 2024. Data collection focused on the prevalence of psychiatric illnesses and substance abuse. The prevalence rates in our study cohort were compared to available data provided by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection of Austria, representing the general population as well as data from long-term population studies. The severity and outcome of burn injuries were compared between patients with and without psychiatric conditions. Results: A total of 644 patients were included in this study. The analysis revealed that 176 (27.4%) patients had a documented psychiatric comorbidity, which is comparable to the prevalence of psychiatric conditions in the general population, estimated at 25-30%. However, the prevalence of alcohol abuse among burn patients was notably higher, with 64 patients (9.9%), compared to approximately 3% in the general population. Despite the higher prevalence of alcohol abuse, the severity and extent of burn injuries were similar between patients with and without pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Conclusions: Our findings challenge the common belief that pre-existing psychiatric conditions increase the risk or severity of severe burn injuries. While alcohol abuse is indeed more prevalent among burn patients, the overall distribution of psychiatric illnesses is similar to that in the general population. This suggests that psychiatric conditions may not directly influence the incidence or severity of burn injuries.