Oxford mental health researchers have published new guidelines and provide free resources for treating patients experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since nearly half of all patients with severe respiratory failure who are placed on a ventilator die, we tend to declare victory if a COVID-19 patient comes off the machine alive. But the reality is that many survivors of severe respiratory failure and other forms of critical illness fare poorly, even if they do beat their underlying disease. Their likelihood of developing PTSD, depression or anxiety is similar to that of soldiers returning from combat.

The guide gives information about: How you might feel after spending time in intensive care. Psychoeducation about PTSD. Things about intensive care that can contribute to the development of PTSD. Information about delirium. Psychological approaches to treating PTSD. Signposting to evidence-based treatment. Information for mental health professionals working with patients who have PTSD following admission to intensive care.