Post-traumatic stress disorder following a critical care admission

Up to 1 in 10 of all critical care patients experience symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms include flashbacks, feeling as if the episode is happening again, increased anxiety and avoidance of thinking or talking about a situation. It is quite common to experience some of these symptoms after a very stressful experience but they normally become less frequent over time. 

When I finally left critical care to start my recovery process I struggled a lot. I would question everything. What did I do wrong? What happened? Why did it happen? I would have flashbacks, panic attacks, anxiety, and nightmares. I struggled physically, emotionally and mentally. I now know that this was PTSD.

Nina
Recovering critical care patient

In PTSD these symptoms do not get better over time and can even get worse. PTSD can have a very negative impact on quality of life. There are however successful treatments for this condition. Affected patients often require expert psychological therapy to help them move on with their lives. Screening questionnaires may help diagnose this problem and if PTSD is suspected expert help can be arranged. 

Related Content

Empty bed
Nightmares, dreams and poor sleep
It is very common for people who have been through a critical illness to experience very significant sleep disturbance in the recovery period
Waiting_room
The critical care follow-up clinic
If you have spent more than two-three days on Critical Care, you will be sent a letter inviting you to attend the follow-up clinic
Researcher
Critical care research
Some critical care units actively participate in patient research
Clinician and patient
Going home following a critical care admission
Leaving hospital and going home is a huge step in your journey towards recovery
Recovery_after_ICU
Physical recovery
After a period of critical illness you may experience some changes such as fatigue, loss of appetite, headaches and changes in your sex-drive
Hand
Common psychological problems post ICU
It is very common for patients who have suffered a critical illness to experience psychological issues
ICU
Hallucinations following a critical care admission
Unfortunately many patients experience hallucinations, such as seeing things that aren’t there, whilst on critical care
Patients
Memory loss following a critical care admission
It is very common for patients who have been seriously ill to report that their memory is not as good as it was
Stress
Stress and anxiety following a critical care admission
The period of recovery after a critical illness can be very stressful