Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress after Intensive Care Delirium

Abstract EN

Introduction.

Long-term psychological consequences of critical illness are receiving more attention in recent years.

The aim of our study was to assess the correlation of ICU-delirium and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) anxiety and depression after ICU-discharge in a Danish cohort.

Methods.

A prospective observational cohort study assessing the incidence of delirium in the ICU.

Psychometrics were screened by validated tools in structured telephone interviews after 2 months (n=297) and 6 months (n=248) after ICU-discharge.

Results.

Delirium was detected in 54% of patients in the ICU and symptoms of PTSD in 8% (2 months) and 6% (6 months) after ICU-discharge.

Recall of ICU stay was present in 93%.

Associations between ICU-delirium and post-discharge PTSD-symptoms were weak and insignificant.

Memories of delusions were significantly associated with anxiety after two months.

Remaining associations between types of ICU-memories and prevalence of post-discharge symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression were insignificant after adjusting for age.

Incidence of ICU-delirium was unaffected by preadmission use of psychotropic drugs.

Prevalence of PTSD-symptoms was unaffected by use of antipsychotics and sedation in the ICU.

Conclusion.

ICU-delirium did not increase the risk of PTSD-symptoms at 2 and 6 months after ICU discharge.