Mental disorders in burn patients

Abstract

Introduction. Mental disorders arising in burn patients, are quite frequent and depend on the period of the disease (acute or convalescence) and clinically can be at the level of non-psychotic, psychotic. Clinical manifestations associated with a burn injury and a factor of psychogenic influence on the person, depending on its features; with more pronounced disharmony they are more resistant and long lasting. MATERIALS AND METODS. We have studied the 153 patients (86 men and 67 women), aged between 20 and 68 years in the acute phase of burn disease and convalescence. Among the study in 65% of cases of severe thermal injury have been reported, 45%-were superficial burns, but with the defeat of the open areas of the body. In the acute phase, more common psychotic disorders, delirium acutum by type or other transient psychoses, especially in people abusing psychoactive substances, mainly alcohol. Delirious syndrome manifested in toxemia phase, at the height of the temperature of the reaction, was undulating in nature and went from 3-4 to 7-8 days. Results. In the complex treatment of these conditions are assigned psychotropic drugs, particularly neuroleptics, both classic and atypical. At all stages of the disease have been reported autonomic disorders, dissomnion phenomenon, disturbing and dysthymic disorder, partially stoped tranquilizers and antidepressants. In the later stages of the disease, mainly in young women against the background formed of hypertrophic and keloid scarring and deforming contractures, were post-traumatic stress reactions with varying degrees of psycho-social maladjustment: depressive symptoms with anxiety or anhedonia, decreased communication skills, which sometimes leads to suicide attempts. There were fears for their appearance, ability to work, loss of faith in recovery. In the process of biological regeneration therapy is constantly conducted, aimed at reducing the patient's frustration with respect to physical defects and his stay in the community. Conclusion. Thus, for burn patients having mental disorders of different nature and level, which requires the inclusion of appropriate psychotropic drugs in general complex of treatment with mandatory psychotherapy at all stages of the disease.