Psychological Health and Function After Burn Injury: Setting Research Priorities

Abstract

There are many sources of threat to the psychological health of an individual who has sustained an acute burn injury, including the immediate experience of intense, excruciating pain that continues at least until wound closure and, as is now becoming clear, becomes chronic in a substantial portion of survivors.1 This pain is most severe during the frequent and unavoidable dressing changes and rehabilitation procedures but is often quite intense even at rest. The injury and pain are accompanied by many other challenges to psychological equilibrium, such as the many secondary complications that may arise.2,3 The traumatic event itself often includes additional threat from perceived loss of control, horror, or hopelessness and may lead to intense symptoms of distress. The burn wound results in immediate changes and may lead to scarring and long-term alterations in one's preinjury appearance and level of physical functioning. Separation from loved ones and others in the social support system is another source of stress (either through dislocation or death), as is disruption of one's roles and daily routines.