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

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...