Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after COVID-19 Intensive Care admission: Characteristics and Perspectives

Psychiatr Danub. 2022 Fall;34(3):602-605. doi: 10.24869/psyd.2022.602.

Abstract

An increase of psychopathology such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is described in patients affected with COVID-19 that stayed at an intensive care unit (ICU). However, data on follow-up and on impact of contextual factors are limited. In a single-center, observational study, PTSD symptomatology was prevalent among 38% of participants (n=8), persisting in clinical PTSD in 2 participants after one year. In patients with initial PTSD symptoms, scores on depression, anxiety and insomnia scales were significantly higher. A higher mental burden due to avoidance of contact and a reduced quality of life was also retained in patients with PTSD symptoms.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • COVID-19*
  • Critical Care
  • Depression
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Quality of Life
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / therapy