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Awareness during anesthesia and posttraumatic stress disorder
J E Osterman1, B A van der Kolk
1Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
General Hospital Psychiatry
|October 27, 1998
Summary
Anesthesia awareness can lead to psychological trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healthcare providers must weigh anesthesia depth against the risk of awareness-induced PTSD in surgical patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Approximately 30,000 patients annually experience anesthesia awareness.
- Anesthesia awareness, particularly with pain, is a traumatic event.
- The psychological impact and psychiatric sequelae of this event are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing knowledge on the psychological impact of anesthesia awareness.
- To explore the link between anesthesia awareness and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of awareness and memory during anesthesia, traumatic memory, and PTSD.
- Analysis of computer searches, books, and referenced articles.
- Inclusion of five published case reports illustrating relevant findings.
Main Results:
- Few case reports detail the psychological trauma and PTSD following anesthesia awareness.
- Anesthesia awareness, especially with pain, significantly increases the risk of developing PTSD.
- Awareness-induced PTSD is a critical consideration for post-surgical mental health assessments.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesia awareness is a traumatic event with potential for long-term psychological sequelae.
- Awareness-induced PTSD should be a key differential diagnosis in patients with mental health issues post-surgery.
- Balancing the benefits of lighter anesthesia with the risk of PTSD is crucial for patient safety.