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.
Hull
A M
AM
Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research, Bennachie Building, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Scotland, Aberdeen, UK. alhul@aol.com
Lowe
T
T
Devlin
M
M
Finlay
P
P
Koppel
D
D
Stewart
A M
AM
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