At least 270 000 patients are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) each year, 1 and up to
27% of these develop post-ICU posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 2 This may be due to a
variety of factors resulting in cumulative stress and trauma: fear of dying, invasive treatment,
pain, delirium, inability to communicate, provision and withdrawal of sedation, experience of
physical illness, immobility, and sensory and sleep deprivation. 2, 3 Patients' families are
also at risk of developing PTSD. One study suggested that the risk was as high as 33% for a …

The paper by Taylor et al 1 highlights the important subject of PTSD occurring as a result of
ICU admission where up to 27% of patients develop the condition. There is similar issue for
patients who have been in a coronary care unit (CCU). Jones et al 2 quote a prevalence of
PTSD in post CCU patients of between 22% and 32%.