Psychosocial and medical patterns of acute stress disorder in burn unit in Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to estimate the rate of acute stress disorder (ASD) among burn patients. The sample consists of 100 patients
admitted to burn unit in Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital in Baghdad city. There is a significant relationship between ASD and burn patients; it is the mean majority of patients with burn developed ASD.
Methods A total of 100 patients are attended to burn unit in Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital in Baghdad city. DSM-IV criteria were applied. GHQ
and socio demographic data were used for diagnosis. All the patients who do not meet the criteria were excluded from the sample by using
ASD symptom questionnaire; proper consent was already taken from all patients.
Results A total of 100 patients with ASD were identified in the burn unit, academic psychiatrists made diagnosis to evaluate the positive
symptoms (positive symptoms scale). ASD represent 80% of all admissions and was more common among females than males, more than half of the cases were between 15 and 24 years of age with the mean age of 30 years. The majority of cases were married, and the mortality rate of burned patients was 69.4, and the median total body surface area (TBSA) burnt was 60%. 18.6% of patients had previous attempt for self-inflicted burn.
Conclusion Both the disease process and treatment of burned patients may affect the mental state of patients producing a variety of symptoms. ASD is the most common psychiatric disorder in burned patients. There is a significant relationship between ASD and burned patients.