A constellation of physical, cognitive, and psychological problems that persist after a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU). PICS can affect patients of all ages and is common in cardiac arrest survivors who required intensive care. Physical effects may include muscle weakness, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. Cognitive effects can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PICS can affect not only the patient but also family members (sometimes called PICS-F). Recovery may take months or years, and many patients benefit from ongoing rehabilitation and specialist follow-up.
« Back to Glossary IndexPost-Intensive Care Syndrome [PICS]
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