In conclusion, psychopathology and psychological problems are identified in a significant minority of burn
patients. Symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders (of which PTSD is one) should be the subject of screening in
the post-burn phase and treated if indicated. A profile of the patient at risk, based on pre-injury factors such as
pre-morbid psychiatric disorder and personality characteristics, peri-traumatic factors and post-burn factors, is
presented. Finally, objective characteristics of disfigurement appear to play a minor role, although other factors,
such as proneness to shame, body image problems, and lack of self-esteem, may be of significance.