Zeitschrift für Trauma und Behandlung

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients Following Intensive Care Unit Treatment: A Review of Studies Regarding Prevalence and Risk Factors

Abstract

Mette Ratzer, Eugenia Romano and Ask Elklit

This article aims to review the available studies on the prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in patients following treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) and the impact of various factors on the development of PTSD. A systematic review of the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and PILOTS was conducted.

Fifty-four articles were included. The mean point prevalence of PTSD/clinically significant PTSD symptoms (PTSS) was 17% (N=7943). Consistent risk factors were pre-ICU psychopathology and traumatic and/or frightening memories from ICU. Less consistent risk factors were younger age, female gender, lower educational level, higher number of biographical risk factors, administration of benzodiazepines, and sedation practice. Severity of illness was not a predictor. Post ICU PTSD/PTSS was associated with lower health related quality of life (HRQOL), comorbid anxiety, and depression.

It is concluded that post-ICU PTSD is common and that health care professionals should be aware of potential risk factors and early signs of PTSD and monitor the patients’ need for intervention. Future research should focus on on estimating potential psychological risk factors, and attempt to explain the relation between potential person and treatment related risk factors, as well as their contribution to the development of PTSD.