[Psychopathology, coping and defence in intensive-care patients]

We performed a follow-up study of psychosocial aspects of intensive care during 3 months on 122 consecutive patients admitted to a medical intensive care unit for at least 8 hours. 54 patients were interviewed in the intensive care unit. These data were evaluated using 2 rating scales for the course of the interview and the psychopathological findings (AMDP-system). Coping patterns based on both rating scales were intra- and interindividually highly variable and did not show systematic trends in time. High variability was interpreted as showing an effort towards more efficient individual coping strategies. The reaction to ICU admission remembered later on general ward was almost uniform: threat to life was minimized and personal capabilities enhanced. Systematically coloured recollections are seen as a part of further coping strategies restoring the individual competence of coping and minimizing the narcissistic offence of illness.