Post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress symptoms following critical illness in medical intensive care unit patients: assessing the magnitude of the problem

Table 4 PTSD risk factors reported in the ICU- and PTSD-related literature at large

Known risk factors for PTSD or PTSD symptoms in the ICU
ICU length of stay (longer duration)
Hospital stay (longer duration)
Length of mechanical ventilation
Greater levels of sedation
Female gender^a
Younger age^a
Pre-existing psychiatric history^a
Greater number of traumatic memories/frightening recollections^a
Presence of delusional memories^a

^aIndicates established risk factors that have been identified in the general PTSD literature. ICU, intensive care unit; PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.

ISSN: 1364-8535