How Are Patients With Bed Sores Affected Mentally?

Bed sores are painful skin conditions that result in the breakdown of skin. This commonly occurs in people who are bed-bound or a person who is improperly cared for. The condition can be extremely painful and can even result in a serious infection that could result in death. The mental effects of this condition can be profound and difficult to manage.

Depression

Depression is a commonly observed effect from bed sores. To be confined to a bed and need help caring for yourself can be depressing in its own right. However, adding painful bed sores to this mix can cause additional depression. The person might have severe guilt and distress. Depression is a serious illness and treatment should be discussed with a physician.

Withdrawn

Having bed sores can take a psychological toll on a person. Some people have difficulty dealing with the pain from the wound itself. In addition, the treatment for some of these wounds can also be painful. Although pain medication is used to treat severe pain, there will still be periods when the pain is intense. Some patients try to control the pain by limiting social stimuli in their environment. The effects from this result in the person withdrawing. They might start seeking solitude and refuse visits from family and friends.

Delirium

Delirium or incoherent behavior can also develop in patients with bed sores. This psychological symptom comes about if an infection occurs or if there are strong medications being used to control the pain. Delirium can cause a setback with some people and cause the length of time for recovery to increase. It can also cause some people to become combative, and as a result, they might need additional sedation.

Suicidal

If the person's bed sores are severe, extremely painful or disfiguring, the sufferer can have a serious decline in psychological health. Some people with several of these bed sores simply cannot deal with the pain and discomfort that it causes. Some of them have terrible infections even into the bone. As a result, a person can become so despondent that they contemplate suicide. Some view their lives as worthless and feel that they are unwanted by the caregiver or family members. Suicidal feelings should always be taken seriously and medical help should be sought.