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July 15, 2005|Volume 33, Number 31|Six-Week Issue


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Patients disfigured by facial
trauma suffer host of problems

Patients disfigured in traumatic incidents are much more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, unemployment, marital problems, binge drinking and depression, according to a study by School of Medicine researchers.

Although the study included only 20 subjects, the findings are significant and address an issue that has not been widely studied, says the senior author, Dr. John Persing, professor and section chief of plastic surgery in the Department of Surgery.

The study subjects had lacerations slightly over one inch or larger and/or a fractured facial bone that required surgery.

"Emotionally, these patients are reporting higher levels of depression, anxiety and discomfort regarding their body image, as well as an overall lower satisfaction with their lives," Persing says. "Socially, they are reporting significantly higher levels of marital conflict. Behaviorally, they are reporting significantly greater problems with alcohol consumption, as well as significantly higher rates of legal problems and deficits in occupational functioning."

He says the data describes a patient population with clear rehabilitation needs. "Such a pattern of clinically relevant findings has not previously been reported in the scientific literature and suggests that there is a significant number of patients who are experiencing social and psychological deficits which are not currently being addressed," Persing notes.

The rate of participation in the study was 18.5%, says Persing, adding that response rates of trauma patients are typically low. Also, about 20% more patients said they would participate, but missed numerous appointments before deciding they were not interested in participating. "The increased incidence of drinking, occupational difficulties and relationship problems in the trauma population would correspond with the inability to keep appointments and participate in this study," Persing explains.

Co-authors include Dr. Elie Levine, Linda Degutis, Thomas Pruzinsky and Dr. Joseph Shin. The research was supported in part by an Alpha Omega Alpha Student Research Fellowship.

-- By Jacqueline Weaver


T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Yale launches program to train urban teachers

New alumni fellow elected

Sensors won't save lives from suicide bombers, warns Yale expert

Study: Monkeys ape humans' economic traits

Richard Shaw departs for Stanford post

Tennis goes co-ed at this year's Pilot Pen

Yale co-sponsors 'City of Summer' concerts and films

Exhibit features post-Civil War works by 'artful storyteller'

Yale alumni, teachers win Tony Awards

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

Law School project exploring the information society . . .

Poll shows public's distaste with foreign oil dependence

Scientists discover how plants protect themselves from infection

Team seeking 'perfume' to control malaria-carrying mosquitoes

Geologists use ancient sea algae to trace CO2 levels of long ago

Study shows how sex discrimination in job hiring is able to endure

YSN study shows effectiveness of preschool health screenings

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE NEWS

Spotlight on Sports

Athletics archive now in library's collection

Three promoted to post of associate provost

Event to explore role of faith in the corporate world

In Memoriam: Dick Wittink, marketing expert and SOM teacher

Five faculty members awarded Guggenheim Fellowships for research

Event explored how libraries can benefit city schools

New alumni lauded for efforts to improve public schools

Yale Books in Brief

Campus Notes


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