Neuropsychological mediators of stress following discharge from ICU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neuropsychological mediators of acute stress reactions following discharge from intensive care: does disturbance in cognition contribute to development of post-traumatic stress disorder?
IRAS ID
137432
Contact name
Sara Simblett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King’s College London
Research summary
Previous research suggests that many people experience distress following discharge from intensive care units (ICU). Indeed, prevalence rates of stress-related symptoms for example those associated with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterised by unwanted re-experiencing of a distressing event, hyperarousal and avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event, among other symptoms, have been estimated to be as high as 63% (Schelling et al., 2001). However, prevalence rates have also been found to vary greatly amongst general critical care patients (see Jackson et al., 2007, for a review of prevalence rates). This may at least in part be due to the heterogeneous nature of admissions to ICU. The impact of the intensive critical care hospital experience on the development of emotional distress amongst people who demonstrate a disruption in cognitive abilities, for example as a result of an acquired brain injury or pre-existing impairment, is an under-researched area. The aim of this research is to investigate which factors including demographic, medical as well as neuropsychological and emotional factors best predict patients at risk of developing PTSD or acute stress responses after discharge from ICU. Following on from previous research, we will explore the contribution that quality and quantity of memory as well as peri-traumatic stress during ICU stay has on later distress and whether cognitive functioning contributes to the level of stress-related symptoms three months post-discharge from ICU. This study will be undertaken as part of a service development project to improve psychological care during and following ICU stays and is designed in accordance with National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines written for this purpose (CG26 and CG83; NICE, 2005, 2009).
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0085
Date of REC Opinion
14 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion