Psychosomatics
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The number of patients with alcohol-related burns admitted to burn units has increased. It has been reported previously that alcohol-related burns are an indicator of alcohol dependence, but there are few studies addressing alcohol use several years after burn injury. ⋯ There were more at-risk drinkers in this burn population as compared with in the general population. The results indicate that an avoidant coping pattern, including the use of alcohol to handle problems, can be considered a potentially modifiable factor.
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Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training (BART) can treat several common pediatric presentations, including chronic pain and anxiety. Its effectiveness, applicability to a variety of conditions, and equipment portability make it an ideal treatment approach for use in an inpatient pediatric consultation-liaison service. ⋯ The use of BART in a consultation-liaison setting demonstrates promising utility in working with patients with pain, anxiety, or a combination of symptoms. BART was well-received by patients with subjective reports of benefit across sessions.