Psychosocial Support in the Treatment of Severely Burned Patients

A psychosocial team took part in the total patient care program of a burn unit. Psychometric data were gathered during the treatment phase and at one-year followup. The treatment plan included adequate analgesics, major tranquilizers when indicated, attention to sleep requirements for patients, and active participation of family members in the treatment program, with supportive psychotherapy. Standardized psychological and intelligence tests were administered to adult patients during treatment and one year after discharge, and scores compared.