Book
Burn Rehabilitation
- Psychological Aspects of the Patient During Treatment Stages
The stages the patient goes through after a burn injury include:
- Critical Illness Stage In this stage, survival is the primary concern for the patient and their family, and immediate psychological issues such as anxiety, fear, pain, delirium, sleep deprivation, and confusion prevail. These problems are managed by the ICU team and psychological counselors.
- Burn Healing Stage Patients enter this stage once it is confirmed that they have survived, surgery intensity has decreased, and they have been transferred out of the ICU.
- In this stage, patients become more aware of the impact of their burn injuries and their long-term effects.
- Depression is common, and up to 30% of patients may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, such as hyperactivity, fear, and sleep disorders.
- Final Stage of Psychological Healing
- The final stage of psychological recovery occurs during the first and second years after discharge, and it is often emotionally challenging.
- Patients in this stage begin to adjust to new life limitations at home and work, and PTSD symptoms typically diminish.
- Mild depression is common during this stage, and the condition may worsen if not treated properly.
