Sexual dysfunction and the patient with burns

Sexual dysfunction in patients with burns has received only limited attention in the literature on burn care. We present five patients with burns whose sexual dysfunction responded to an eclectic treatment approach. A more extensive discussion on the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder, other psychopathology, and sexual dysfunction in patients with burn injuries is presented. Neuroendocrinological, psychopathologic, psychodynamic, and physiological mechanisms that may be at play in patients with burns are proposed. The possible impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on sexuality is discussed. The illustrated cases suggest that sexual side effects of psychotropics, although fairly common, should not get in the way of proper use of antidepressants and antianxiety medications during the initial phase of treatment. Psychotropic and other commonly used medications in patients with burns, and the possible mechanisms of actions on sexuality, are reviewed.