Burns and posttraumatic stress disorder: What's being done

Abstract

Burn injuries can be a life-shattering event causing significant physical impairment. Burn survivors suffer from changes in appearance and body function. The perception of burn injuries has transformed from permanent disability to now rehabilitative. Through ever-evolving technology coupled with enhanced clinical assessments, burn injuries are seen through the lens of being more than physical. This article aims to keep non-burn experts abreast of what is being done to address the psychological effects of burn injuries. This article discusses different screening and diagnostic instrumentation for assessing posttraumatic stress disorder as well as treatment options for clinicians encountering burn survivors. Early detection of posttraumatic stress disorder symptomology and aggressive treatment are essential in improving the quality of life of those who have suffered a burn trauma.