ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the psychological stress reactions of 238 patients injured in earthquake in our hospital and explore their interventions to such reaction. Methods A total of 238 patients wounded in earthquake were recruited. Along with the active treatment of primary physical trauma, wide range of preventative psychological interventions for crisis was carried out individually or in group. The psychological emergency measures included communication and exchange of ideas, mental health education, and psychological support and a relaxing environment to the patients. All the patients were evaluated by using depression and anxiety assessment scales before and after the intervention. Results Various psychological stress responses were found in 238 patients after injury, in which sleep disorders, memory decline, tension and fear, wabble and emotional instability ranked the top 5. Some patients' psychological status recovered after one-week's hospitalization, while most recovered after two-week's hospitalization. Three patients were transferred to other professional psychiatric hospitals for professional psychological treatment and intervention because of serious psychological obstacle. Conclusion The wounded caused by earthquake manifested various psychological stress reactions. Immediate psychological intervention can effectively help the patients to recover psychologically, promote their physical rehabilitation, and prevent posttraumatic stress disorder.