Applied Psychology and Psychiatry

Biography

Biography: Surabhi Mitra

Abstract

Introduction/Background: Cosmetic disfigurement after burns is not uncommon. Such suffering can be traumatic with physical, social and psychological consequences. These patients are at a significant risk of developing PTSD {Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). These patients are often otherwise healthy and productive, and such injuries may have profound effect on their lives. The resulting disability makes life challenging in a world where physical ability is the ‘norm’. This study aims at finding prevalence and severity of PTSD in such patients as per various components of cosmetic disfigurement post burns.

Methodology/materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months in which sample collection of every consenting follow-up patient across three tertiary care hospitals in Central India was taken. 84 burn patients were assessed using Clinician-administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) for (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5) DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association (APA) DSM-5 Severity of PTSD scale, DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders, semi-structured socio-demographic proforma and brief information questionnaire for details of burns.

Results: Out of 93 patients of burns who were interviewed, 9 dropped out. In the final 84 assessed, there were 26 females (30.95%) and 58 males (69.05%). 7 females (23.07%) and 24 males (41.37%) had PTSD. Overall prevalence was 36.90%. Prevalence and severity of PTSD was found to be higher in those with facial burns and disfigurement, those without any pre- or post-psychiatric consultations, higher percentage of surface area burns and being non-functional post-burns. Substance use had considerably decreased post-burns.

Conclusion: In these patients a proper protocol is needed to detect PTSD at its earliest stage, so that it can be effectively treated to avoid its undesirable consequences.