Psychiatric sequelae and interventions in critically ill trauma survivors

Psychiatric disorders following trauma impact functional recovery in trauma survivors and are a significant source of disability. Although research has traditionally focused on the physical sequelae of trauma, more attention is being directed towards the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the psychologic sequelae of trauma. This review evaluates the existing literature.

Use of multidisciplinary collaborative programmes in combination with psychiatric treatment and pharmacotherapy may be necessary to improve the care of trauma patients with psychiatric sequelae. Improving identification of vulnerable patients may help in the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders and is an area of current research initiatives.

There are few interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in managing the psychiatric sequelae of trauma. The development of strategies to guide early identification of at-risk patients and recommend prevention and treatment may improve the care of trauma survivors.