Campbell (1995) discusses the major defining characteristics of PTSD that may include: flash backs and
re-examining the traumatic event, repetitive dreams and
nightmares, shame, sadness, helplessness and anxiety.
Minor characteristics could manifest as: amnesia, denial,
confusion and depression. Recently PTSD has been attributed to patients following admission to critical care
units. However, not everyone will suffer the symptoms of
PTSD (Parkinson 1993). Some patients feel well and have
no complaints (Daffum et al. 1994). Others have no
recollection of their stay in ICU (Compton 1990). Sawden
et al. (1995) also found a number of patients who had no
memory of ICU, but when further questioned, could
produce vague recollections. There was then a question
as to whether this amnesia could be attributed to the
denial recognized in PTSD as a coping mechanism
3(Horowitz 1986; Campbell 1995).
Stress, however, is not automatically bad, or even to be
avoided at all costs (Sutherland & Cooper 1990). It is the
sources of stress when linked to the individual's personal
characteristics that lead to negative stress symptoms.
Studies of people experiencing the same traumatic event
have shown prevalence of PTSD to be between 20% and
50% (Lovell & Richards 1995).
Patients in ICU experience a loss of control, and this
coupled with a fear of the unknown can produce a cycle of
anxiety and depression (Jones & O'Donnell 1994). Add
separation into the equation and it appears that the
process of transfer out of ICU is ripe with negative
stressful outcomes for the patient