Post-intensive care syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorders after intensive care

Abstract

Because of the declining mortality rate for patients with critical illness, the long-term sequelae of intensive care unit survivors, including psychological, cognitive, and physical burdens, are becoming more apparent. Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) has been the term that refers to the broad range of such symptoms, and some major critical care societies have already promoted the spread of its knowledge and the importance of managing PICS. However, the level of awareness of PICS in non-critical care practitioners remains low. Without the knowledge of psychiatry, the management of PICS, especially when struggling with psychological impairment, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, and/or cognitive decline, may fail. Better communication and collaboration with psychiatrists and critical care physicians are required to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with critical illness in the near future.