Psychological Sequelae of Facial Trauma

Background: Facial trauma is common in accidents and assaults and can be accompanied by distressing psychological sequelae.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of case notes followed by a prospective assessment of consecutive facial trauma victims was performed to determine the prevalence and detection rate of psychological sequelae.

Results: Only 8 of 47 case notes (17%) contained any reference to mental state. Forty-three patients completed initial assessment and 7-week questionnaires. Twelve (27%) were suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder at 7 weeks. Factors significantly associated with poorer outcome were higher initial Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Impact of Event Scale scores, assault injury fractures, and prediction of psychological sequelae by junior oral surgeons.

Conclusion: More than one-quarter of victims of facial trauma in this study developed posttraumatic stress disorder, documentation of which was poor. The study suggests that psychological sequelae can be predicted using simple measures such as a basic initial assessment by nonmedically qualified personnel.