Sex Differences, Age, and Burn Size Contribute to Risk of PTSD and Depression After Burn Injury.

This article investigates how biological sex, age, and total body surface area (TBSA) of burn injuries influence the risk and symptom outcomes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among adult burn survivors. Analyzing data from 374 patients enrolled in a Burn Behavioral Health program, the study found that women exhibited higher initial risk scores for depression and overall PTSD/depression risk shortly after injury, and reported greater PTSD symptom severity 30 days postinjury compared to men. Younger age and larger TBSA were also associated with increased risk, though TBSA's relative contribution was smaller than sex and age. The findings highlight the importance of early, sex- and age-sensitive mental health screening and interventions to support emotional recovery in burn survivors.