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. 2009 May;35(5):796-809.
doi: 10.1007/s00134-009-1396-5. Epub 2009 Jan 23.

Depression in general intensive care unit survivors: a systematic review

Dimitry S Davydow  1 , Jeneen M Gifford, Sanjay V Desai, O Joseph Bienvenu, Dale M Needham
Affiliations

Depression in general intensive care unit survivors: a systematic review

Dimitry S Davydow et al. Intensive Care Med. 2009 May.

Abstract

Purpose: To critically review data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in general intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, risk factors for these symptoms, and their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review using Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and a hand-search of 13 journals.

Results: Fourteen studies were eligible. The median point prevalence of "clinically significant" depressive symptoms was 28% (total n = 1,213). Neither sex nor age were consistent risk factors for post-ICU depression, and severity of illness at ICU admission was consistently not a risk factor. Early post-ICU depressive symptoms were a strong risk factor for subsequent depressive symptoms. Post-ICU depressive symptoms were associated with substantially lower HRQOL.

Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are common in general ICU survivors and negatively impact HRQOL. Future studies should address how factors related to individual patients, critical illness and post-ICU recovery are associated with depression in ICU survivors.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Flow Diagram of Literature Search Results
Abbreviations: ICU, intensive care unit
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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