Depressive symptoms and anxiety in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors after ICU discharge.

Background: The association between intensive care unit (ICU) survivors' psychological sequelae, individual care needs, and discharge disposition has not been evaluated.

Objective: To describe depressive symptoms and anxiety in ICU survivors and explore these symptoms based on individual care needs and discharge disposition for 4 months post-ICU discharge.

Methods: We analyzed data from 39 ICU survivors who self-reported measures of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression 10 items [CESD-10]) and anxiety (Shortened Profile of Mood States-Anxiety subscale [POMS-A]).

Results: A majority of patients reported CESD-10 scores above the cut off (≥ 8) indicating risk for clinical depression. POMS-A scores were highest within 2 weeks post-ICU discharge and decreased subsequently. Data trends suggest worse depressive symptoms and anxiety when patients had moderate to high care needs and/or were unable to return home.

Conclusions: ICU survivors who need caregiver assistance and extended institutional care reported trends of worse depressive symptoms and anxiety.