Delayed endotracheal extubation and PTSD in ICU patients.

摘要

TO THE EDITOR: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not uncommon in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). PTSD is often associated with extreme distress, including nightmares, fears, and frightening recollections of the distressful experience. In the literature, ICU-related PTSD was reported to be associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, sleep disturbances, and the use of narcotics, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives. A recent large multicenter study by Davydow reported that mechanical ventilation for greater than 5 days was a significant predictor of the development of both PTSD and limitations in the patient's ability to return to usual activities 1 year after the ICU stay. Additionally, this and other studies have shown a pre-existing psychological disorder predisposes patients to developing PTSD in these circumstances. We report our experience as intensivists in a surgical ICU.