Early Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Depression Risk Screening in Craniofacial Trauma at a Level 1 Trauma Center

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2025

Abstract

Introduction: There is paucity of data on the association between patient characteristics and risk of psychological sequelae in the craniofacial trauma population. This study aims to identify trauma-related factors associated with increased risk of PTSD and depression at a single level 1 trauma center.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort analysis, all patients with craniofacial fractures, identified via ICD-10 codes, who were screened with the Injured Trauma Survivor Screening (ITSS) survey at a single level 1 trauma center from June 2022 to January 2024 were included.

Results: 218 patients met inclusion criteria (median age: 53 years (IQR: 33, 70); 67.0% male). Via the ITSS, 22.0% of patients screened positive for PTSD risk and 27.1% for depression risk. Length of stay, race, and mechanism of injury were significant predictors of PTSD risk. With every one day increase in length of stay, the odds of a positive PTSD risk score were 1.07 times that of a negative one (OR 1.07; 95% C.I.: 1.02-1.12; p= 0.0054). Hispanic patients had higher odds of a positive PTSD risk compared to whites (OR 5.83; 95% C.I.: 2.22-15.29; p= 0.0067). Injury via assault had greater odds of positive PTSD risk compared to ground level fall (OR 6.00; 95% C.I.: 1.50-23.99; p= 0.0298). Age, craniofacial fracture type, and discharge to inpatient rehab were significant predictors of depression risk.

Conclusion: Craniofacial trauma is associated with PTSD and post-traumatic depression, and patient factors may be able to identify those at higher risk.

Comments

ACS (American College of Surgeons) Clinical Congress, October 4-7, 2025, Chicago, IL

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