Multiple reports have demonstrated a wide prevalence of both depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within 1 year of burn injury. The purpose of this study is to determine outcomes of burn patients after a positive outpatient screen for depression or PTSD at an American Burn Association-verified burn center.

All patients who screened positive were offered referral for psychologic and/or psychiatric counseling. Rescreening was performed with a goal of approximately 6 months.

A total of 445 patients were enrolled with 91 (20.6%) screening positive for depression and 59 (13.4%) for PTSD.

TBSA burned was associated with a positive screen for depression and PTSD while electrical injury was associated with a positive screen for depression.

Rescreening was done in 15.5% with 23% rescreening positive for depression and 15% for PTSD.

The study validated the need for early screening and referral for psychologic and/or psychiatric counseling in this population.

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