Authors: Katarzyna Kotfis; Patrycja Maj; Aleksandra Szylińska; Maria Pankowiak; Elżbieta Reszka; E. Wesley Ely; Annachiara Marra · Research
How Does ICU Delirium Affect the Mental Health of Patients' Family Members?
Study reveals how family members cope with psychological stress when their loved ones experience delirium in intensive care
Source: Kotfis, K., Maj, P., Szylińska, A., Pankowiak, M., Reszka, E., Ely, E. W., & Marra, A. (2024). The spectrum of psychological disorders in family members of patients suffering from delirium associated with critical illness: a prospective, observational study. Scientific Reports, 14, 4562. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53968-3
What you need to know
- Family members of ICU patients with delirium experience significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD compared to families of patients without delirium
- The psychological impact on family members continues even 30 days after the initial ICU admission
- Support systems and education for families are crucial but often underutilized
The Hidden Emotional Toll of ICU Delirium
Imagine sitting beside your loved one in an intensive care unit (ICU), watching them experience sudden changes in behavior, confusion, and distress. This condition, known as ICU delirium, affects not only the patient but can also create lasting psychological impacts on family members. While medical teams focus on treating the patient, the emotional wellbeing of family members often goes unnoticed.
Understanding the Research
This study examined 98 family members of ICU patients - 50 had relatives with delirium and 48 had relatives without delirium. Researchers assessed their psychological state both during the initial ICU stay and 30 days later using validated questionnaires measuring anxiety, depression, emotional control, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Key Findings
The results revealed striking differences between the two groups. Family members of patients with delirium showed:
- Higher levels of anxiety within the first 48 hours
- Greater difficulty controlling depressive emotions
- Significantly higher PTSD scores after 30 days
- More intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal symptoms
The Long-Term Impact
Perhaps most concerning was the lasting psychological effect. Even 30 days after the initial ICU admission, family members of patients who experienced delirium continued to show elevated levels of PTSD symptoms. The average PTSD score was nearly twice as high in this group (11.02) compared to family members of patients without delirium (6.42).
What This Means for You
If you have a loved one in the ICU, especially one experiencing delirium, it’s important to:
- Recognize that your emotional reactions are normal and valid
- Don’t hesitate to seek support from healthcare staff
- Consider connecting with support groups or counseling services
- Take care of your own mental health while supporting your loved one
- Learn about ICU delirium to better understand what your loved one is experiencing
Conclusions
- ICU delirium creates significant psychological stress for family members that can persist long after the ICU stay
- Healthcare providers need to provide better support and education for families dealing with ICU delirium
- Early intervention and support systems are crucial for preventing long-term psychological impact on families