A clinical investigation to examine the proportion of posttraumatic stress disorder after discharge from critical care

The psychological impact of a critical care admission is sufficient to precipitate significant psychiatric morbidity for those who survive it. The true proportion of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unclear. A prospective longitudinal study of 90 survivors was conducted to examine the proportion of PTSD, using a structured clinical interview and compared to that identified through a self- report questionnaire. Assessments of anxiety, depression, cognitive function and quality of life, were also performed. The primary aim was to determine the true prevalence of PTSD after critical care discharge The proportion of survivors of critical care treatment who developed PTSD, according to a structured clinical interview after discharge was modest and lower than that reported previously in most critical care studies or compared to that identified through self-report questionnaires. However, the identified proportion of 10% PTSD still represents a significant minority who could potentially benefit from detection and treatment. A model stepped care pathway is proposed, to support survivors in their psychological recovery after discharge from critical care