Psychological consequences of maxillofacial trauma: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the prevalence of post-traumatic psychological symptoms after maxillofacial trauma and prognostic factors related to poor outcome.


METHODS
Thirty-nine patients were assessed within 10 days of injury and 24 again 4-6 weeks later using five standardised self-report measures on each occasion and a short structured interview at the time of initial contact.


RESULTS
Specific post-traumatic psychological symptoms were present at initial assessment in 21 patients (54%), with 9 (41%) meeting diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder at review 4-6 weeks later. Other psychiatric problems, such as anxiety and depression, were identified by the General Health Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Characteristics associated with poorer outcome included: a previous history of psychological distress; fear of the unknown, and female sex.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the adverse psychological effect of maxillofacial trauma both immediately after the event and 4-6 weeks after injury. Proper assessment of injured patients must include psychological aspects and further research is needed to identify the most appropriate response.
Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research, Bennachie Building, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Scotland, Aberdeen, UK. alhul@aol.com
A M
AM
Hull
T
T
Lowe
M
M
Devlin
P
P
Finlay
D
D
Koppel
A M
AM
Stewart
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome