Depression, Anxiety, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in ICU Survivors

Abstract

Background: Mental disorders in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) can further deteriorate patients' physical and mental conditions and exert an undesirable impact on different aspects of their lives. Objectives: This research aimed to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depressive symptoms in patients discharged from the ICU and identify the associated factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 106 patients aged 18 years or over hospitalized for at least 48 hours in the ICUs affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences were enrolled by the census method for six months. At ICU discharge and four weeks later, they were examined by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Post Trauma Symptom Scale (PTSS)-10. Results: The prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were 60.3%, 26.4%, and 17.9%, respectively. These symptoms decreased after four weeks of discharge (P ≤ 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the duration of ICU stay and anxiety symptoms (r = 0.210, P = 0.032). Furthermore, there was a significant association between a history of physical illness before ICU admission and anxiety (P = 0.03). Conclusions: Screening of ICU-admitted patients for PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms is recommended; however, the frequency of these symptoms is expected to reduce one month after ICU discharge.