Psychological Outcomes of Pediatric Burn Injuries: A Narrative Review

Introduction Burn injuries are among the most severe traumatic events a child can experience and are a common cause of emergency hospital presentations. Advances in paediatric burn care have improved survival, yet psychological sequelae remain a significant concern. Children and adolescents may experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, and other emotional or behavioural challenges following a burn. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the psychological outcomes of paediatric burn injuries and to explore factors influencing mental health post-injury. Methods A literature search was conducted in Informit Health, Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO for studies published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۴ Eligible studies included empirical, peer-reviewed research reporting psychological outcomes of hospitalised children and adolescents (<۱۸ years) after burn injuries. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included, with data extraction focusing on mental health diagnoses, anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic symptoms, coping, resilience, quality of life, and self-concept. Study quality was appraised using established tools, and findings were synthesized narratively. Findings Forty-five studies met inclusion criteria. Across studies, paediatric burn patients were found to be at elevated risk for psychological difficulties, particularly anxiety and traumatic stress. Younger children, girls, and those with severe burns or greater parental distress were more vulnerable. Qualitative studies highlighted the emotional impact of hospitalization, procedural pain, and scarring, emphasizing both internalizing (e.g., anxiety, withdrawal) and externalizing behaviours (e.g., aggression). Evidence for depression, self-harm, and suicidality was mixed, with fewer studies exploring these domains. Notably, coping strategies, parental support, and access to psychological care were important factors influencing recovery. Discussion and Conclusion Paediatric burn injuries represent a high-risk context for the development of psychopathology. Narrative synthesis suggests that psychological recovery is influenced by child characteristics, burn severity, and family support. Clinical care should integrate psychological assessment and support alongside physical treatment, ideally involving mental health professionals in the care team. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and under-researched domains such as self-harm, resilience, and quality of life. Overall, this review underscores the importance of holistic aftercare to optimise mental health outcomes in children and adolescents following burn injuries.

کلیدواژه ها:

paediatric burns ، psychological outcomes ، anxiety ، post-traumatic stress ، coping ، resilience