Psychological Impact of Maxillofacial Injuries: A Comprehensive Assessment Amongst Patients Treated at a Tertiary Care Center

The major consequences of facial injuries in the early stages and several months after follow-up are depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, alcohol and substance use and dependence, and distress about facial appearance. The purpose of this study is to estimate the psychological characteristics of maxillofacial trauma patients in the Indian population. This study included 87 adult patients (18-45 years) with middle and lower third facial fractures. Anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Self-esteem and quality of life (QOL) were measured using Rosenbergs self-esteem and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaires, respectively. Follow-up interviews were conducted, first within 7 days before intervention (T1), then 1 to 2 weeks after intervention (T2), and lastly 6 to 8 weeks after intervention (T3). Approximately 15% of patients had anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a poor quality of life at baseline, which improved over time. Anxiety considerably reduced from T1 to T2 and T3 with F (2,172) = 8.06, P < .001, η 2 p = .09. Depression considerably reduced from T1 and T2 to T3, with F (2,172) = 11.23, P < .001, η 2 p = .12. Self-esteem significantly improved from T2 to T3, with F (2,172) = 3.92, P < .05, η 2 p = .04. Although quality of life improved over time, it was not statistically significant. However, quality of life was significantly better in patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) than the patients treated by closed reduction and intermaxillary fixation (IMF). So, it is desirable to make an integrated treatment protocol that addresses both psychological distress and functional and esthetic rehabilitation.