Post-intensive care syndrome

Post-intensive care syndrome (often abbreviated as PICS) is a set of health conditions that are common among patients who have spent time in an intensive care unit (ICU). These conditions can affect a person's physical, cognitive, or mental health, and they can persist for a period of time after the person has left the ICU.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PICS can vary widely from person to person, but they often include:

• Physical weakness
• Fatigue
• Cognitive impairment, such as difficulty with memory, attention, or problem-solving
• Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Causes

PICS can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• The severity of the patient's original illness or injury
• The types of treatments received in the ICU
• The length of the patient's stay in the ICU
• The patient's overall health and age

Treatment

Treatment for PICS often involves a combination of physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and mental health treatment. The specific treatment plan will depend on the patient's individual symptoms and needs.

See also

• Intensive care unit
• Physical therapy
• Cognitive therapy
• Mental health

References

Post-intensive care syndrome Resources
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