Post-intensive care syndrome causes new or worsening symptoms that can affect you emotionally, mentally and physically.
Emotional PICS symptoms may include:
Mental (cognitive) PICS symptoms may include:
Physical PICS symptoms may include:
Symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome-family may include:
The ICU can be a very stressful environment. You may experience many different stressors that combine to cause PICS. These may include: V体育2025版.
Anyone who survives a critical condition that required ICU care may develop PICS. Family and loved ones who provide care and support to someone who required ICU care can develop PICS-family.
Healthcare providers will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. They’ll also recommend different tests and questionnaires to help diagnose PICS. These may include:
There are many PICS treatments. They may be different depending on why you needed ICU care and what symptoms you have. They may include:
In addition, getting lots of sleep and eating healthy foods can also help your body recover. And keeping a journal about your experiences can help you process your thoughts and feelings.
Friends and family members can help decrease the effects of PICS in loved ones by:
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PICS-F treatment may include:
Most hospitals also offer social workers, case managers and religious or spiritual services to help provide support to those who need ICU care and their families.
Your body is unique, and how it responds to a stay in the ICU may be different from others. Some people don’t have any PICS symptoms. Or they may have a combination of different mental, emotional and physical symptoms. Your care team may include many different specialists. A healthcare provider will give you an idea of what to expect during your recovery based on your specific symptoms.
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It’s important to schedule regular appointments with your healthcare team after a traumatic event. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome, contact a provider for an evaluation.
During your appointment, you may wish to ask the following questions:
It depends. Some people don’t have any symptoms of PICS. But others may have symptoms for a long time. A healthcare provider will give you a better idea of what to expect depending on your situation.
Healthcare providers will do their best to help prevent PICS during hospitalization. This may include things like:
It’s also important for friends and family members to help with their loved one’s care and recovery.
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Post-ICU delirium is a type of confusion that develops after receiving ICU care. It affects your ability to focus your attention and your awareness.
The intensive care unit provides lifesaving care to people with severe conditions. But sometimes, the stress of treatment can wear on you and your loved ones in unexpected ways. Coping after a traumatic event can be challenging. Fortunately, healthcare providers are more in tune with the long-term effects of ICU care on your mind, body and emotions.
They’ll provide you with the best possible care while actively trying to prevent PICS symptoms. And if you do experience PICS, they’ll recommend the best treatments to promote complete healing and well-being.
Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical well-being. Cleveland Clinic’s mental health experts can help you live life to the fullest.
Last reviewed on 05/29/2025.
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