Post-traumatic stress in the medical setting.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Serious illness and injury significantly disrupt an individual's life.
• Patients often experience vulnerability, mortality awareness, and a loss of self during hospitalization.
• Posttraumatic stress is a common, yet often overlooked, consequence of critical care experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence of posttraumatic stress in patients with serious illness or injury.
• To emphasize the necessity of assessing and treating this patient population.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets, including the use of hypnosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of patient stress responses to intensive care and hospitalization.
• Analysis of the psychological impact of serious illness and injury on lifestyle and relationships.
• Exploration of therapeutic interventions for posttraumatic stress.

Main Results:

• Serious illness and injury profoundly affect an individual's ability to maintain their lifestyle and relationships.
• The experience can lead to feelings of vulnerability, confrontation with mortality, and disruption of self-identity.
• Specific areas for therapeutic intervention have been identified.

Conclusions:

• Posttraumatic stress is a significant issue for individuals recovering from serious illness and injury.
• Comprehensive assessment and timely treatment are vital for this population.
• Hypnosis presents a promising therapeutic avenue for addressing posttraumatic stress in these patients.