Psychological Effects of Burns

Many burn victims suffer post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and will require supportive counseling and medication to cope. This may be a lifelong problem and can become worse over time.

The obstacle many patients face is resuming day-to-day activities after injury and returning to work. This is worse if the person had a facial and/or hand burns. People they encounter may be fearful of looking and touching them. Many burn survivors complain of feeling as though they have the plague (social stigma is traumatizing). Sexual functioning may also be an issue. Often partners shun their mates after these tremendous injuries. There are groups and societies built around support and recovery. It's a tough road to walk.

How burns are treated

_{Information courtesy of Ann Burkhardt, OTR/L,
a fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association}