Post-traumatic stress symptoms and distress following acute burn injury

The occurrence and predictors of acute post-traumatic stress symptoms were assessed in a large, prospective sample of persons with new burn injuries (N=172). Participants completed a self-report post-traumatic stress symptom checklist, pain ratings, and a premorbid mental health inventory within 24 h of admission to a burn center (Day 1). Over half of the sample reported sleep disturbance and recurrent, intrusive recollections of the burn injury on Day 1. Other commonly endorsed symptoms were difficulties concentrating, avoidance of thoughts/feelings associated with the burn, flashbacks, and exaggerated startle response. Persons with less favorable premorbid mental health and larger burns reported a greater number of stress symptoms on Day 1. These results suggest that experiencing some post-traumatic stress symptoms immediately following a burn trauma is normal. It is recommended that burn care professionals identify and intervene with patients who are suffering clinically significant distress early in the hospitalization.