The challenge of diagnosis of stress reactions following intensive care and early intervention: a review

Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Objective: To conduct a review of early assessment of psychological problems experienced by patients following intensive care (ICU) and the efficacy of early psychological intervention. Date sources: Relevant studies were obtained from the medical, nursing and psychology literature, Medline, PsycLit, EMBASE and CINAHL of the past 20 years. Study selection: Articles were selected that provided data on acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder following intensive care. Articles from similar populations undergoing traumatic stress were included. Data synthesis: Articles were reviewed and relevant data extracted. Conclusion: A number of findings were clearly identified. While psychological problems after ICU are common, there is little research on early assessment and intervention to aid the recovery process. Work in other groups of sufferers of traumatic stress suggests that early assessment and intervention may reduce the chances of developing chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Work from the traumatic stress literature suggests that there is a role for early intervention to help individuals with high levels of symptoms that are having a significant impact on their lives. Research is required to strengthen psychological assessment procedures and to design early interventions that address acute stress reaction symptoms. A particular issue for ICU patients is the high incidence of delusional memories for the period of critical illness and how best to aid patients to come to terms with such memories.