The Psychological Consequences of Wounds - a Vicious Circle that Should not be Overlooked.

Abstract

Wounds and wound healing are often considered to be purely medical phenomena, but there is growing evidence that the psychological impact on the patient is of equal importance. The psychological consequences of having a wound may include stress, sleep disturbances, negative mood and social isolation. These outcomes may be a result of the physical effects of the wound, such as pain or high levels of exudate. Wound management problems, mobility issues and malodour will also have an impact on the patient’s psychological well-being. These consequences may, in turn, have a profound impact on the healing of a chronic wound and therefore affect an individual’s quality of life