Which factors influence the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with burn injuries? A systematic review of the literature

IntroductionThis article aims to discover which variables influence the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with burn injuries. It will also consider whether it is possible to predict which burns patients will develop PTSD.BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder is an important psychopathology for burned patients as it can affect both physical outcomes and quality of life for those affected. Research states that PTSD may be identified in up to 30% of burns patients, making it relatively common.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was carried out using four databases. Eleven articles were identified from these searches, and were then analysed thematically to draw out common ideas.ResultsGender, extraversion and neuroticism, attribution of blame, capacity for forgiveness, the event as a disaster or non-disaster, alcohol consumption and peri-traumatic emotional response were all found to influence burns patients’ risk of developing PTSD.ConclusionWhile it is possible to identify the factors that put burns patients are greater risk of developing PTSD, it is not possible to accurately predict who will go on to develop PTSD due to the interplay between variables and individual differences. Focus should instead be on screening for PTSD and timely recognition of intrusive symptoms.