Should intensive care unit patients get psychotherapy after discharge for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Abstract

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients should get psychotherapy consultations because most of the patients suffer from Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after discharge, which leads to life-threatening conditions like flashbacks of the events which ultimately results in mood swings and depression. An ICU diary can be used as a form of psychotherapy that can be written by family members and staff everyday. This diary can help the patient during recovery and is useful in their rehabilitation. However, according to a survey on neurotic patients, psychotherapy may not always be effective and can sometimes lead to other problems. People who survive Intensive Care Units have the chance to develop Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), of which PTSD is also a component.