Advances in the management of posttraumatic stress disorder after critical illness: a narrative review
Emergency and Critical Care Medicine April 7, 2025 Evanthia Asimakopoulou, Panagiotis Theodosis-Nobelos, Charalampos Triantis 1 citation
Critical illness and intensive care interventions can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a key part of post-intensive care syndrome. Prevention is the best therapy, but pharmacotherapy, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, helps manage symptoms. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine–assisted therapy shows promise in clinical trials. Nonpharmacological approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapies, are also effective. Lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and strong social support contribute to resilience and recovery. A multidisciplinary, holistic approach integrating these strategies may improve care for PTSD after critical illness.