Romina Gawlytta1, Frank Brunkhorst2, Helen Niemeyer3, Maria Boettche4, Christine Knaevelsrud3, Jenny Rosendahl5. 1. Institute of Psychosocial Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. 2. Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Center for Clinical Studies, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. 3. Department of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. 4. Department of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Center for Torture Victims, Zentrum ÜBERLEBEN, Berlin, Germany. 5. Institute of Psychosocial Medicine and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. Electronic address: jenny.rosendahl@med.uni-jena.de.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Following intensive care treatment, patients and thier spouse often report traumatic memories that are frequently associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms. In this case report, we describe the case of a sepsis survivor and his wife who both suffered concurrently from intensive care associated post-traumatic stress symptoms as long-term sequelae. Both were treated with internet-based cognitive-behaviuoral writing therapy (iCBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after intensive care. METHODS: Traumatic memories recalled during exposure in sensu as part of iCBT are described. Outcome data measured before, during and after psychotherapeutic treatment were analyzed. FINDINGS: Both, the patient and his wife showed characteristic symptoms of PTSD three years after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) comprising of intrusions, negative emotions, and hyperarousal. They reported unpleasant ICU memories from a patient's and relative's perspective, respectively. In both, the patient and his wife, a decline of symptoms with respect to all outcome measures during the course of iCBT from pre-treatment to three-month follow-up was observed. CONCLUSION: Experiences of critical illness and intensive care can lead to post-traumatic stress in patients and their partners. Hence, it may be useful to offer mental health screening and psychotherapeutic treatment options to both ICU patients and their partners.
INTRODUCTION: Following intensive care treatment, patients and thier spouse often report traumatic memories that are frequently associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms. In this case report, we describe the case of a sepsis survivor and his wife who both suffered concurrently from intensive care associated post-traumatic stress symptoms as long-term sequelae. Both were treated with internet-based cognitive-behaviuoral writing therapy (iCBT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after intensive care. METHODS:Traumatic memories recalled during exposure in sensu as part of iCBT are described. Outcome data measured before, during and after psychotherapeutic treatment were analyzed. FINDINGS: Both, the patient and his wife showed characteristic symptoms of PTSD three years after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) comprising of intrusions, negative emotions, and hyperarousal. They reported unpleasant ICU memories from a patient's and relative's perspective, respectively. In both, the patient and his wife, a decline of symptoms with respect to all outcome measures during the course of iCBT from pre-treatment to three-month follow-up was observed. CONCLUSION: Experiences of critical illness and intensive care can lead to post-traumatic stress in patients and their partners. Hence, it may be useful to offer mental health screening and psychotherapeutic treatment options to both ICU patients and their partners.