Xtreme Archive - Intensive care 'has lasting impact on mental health'
Its the 14 October 2012 and skydiver Felix Baumgartner was breaking the sound barrier with his epic freefall 128,100ft (24 miles; 39km) above New Mexico, fears were being raised that we could all be wiped out in 5 years due to the Crimean-Congo Viral Hemorrhagic Fever and in the South Pole, staff from the National Oceanography Centre could enjoy a a nice cold beer thanks to Platform Tavern microbrewery in Southampton.
Meanwhile in London, a study carried out by a team which included Xtreme Everest's Prof Monty Mythen had been published which looked at the long term impact on the mental health of intensive care patients.
Some 55% of people who survive intensive care treatment go on to develop psychological disorders. A study carried out at University College London Hospitals intensive care unit by a multidisciplinary team including Professor Monty Mythen found high levels of depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder.
The article in the Critical Care Journal reports certain drugs combined with stress in hospital seemed to cause longer term problems.
Dr. Dorothy Wade, one of the authors, said: "Our hypothesis is that patients suffer stress and delirium in the ICU due to invasive treatments and powerful drugs received, and those who suffer those stress reactions are more likely to have adverse psychological outcomes in the long-term."
Patients are given these drugs and invasive treatments to help them survive the problems associated with being critically ill, such as hypoxia.
To read more about this research visit the BBC News website or read the article in full on the Critical Care Journal website
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