Abstract

MONTEIRO, Mayla Cosmo; SABOYA, Fernanda  and  MAIA, Marcelle Passarinho. When discharge is not the end: reflections on post-intensive care syndrome. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2025, vol.28, n.spe1, e008.  Epub Dec 19, 2025. ISSN 1516-0858.  https://doi.org/10.57167/rev-sbph.2025.v28.esp_1.909.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) refers to physical, cognitive, and psychological deficits that affect survivors of critical illnesses, persisting beyond the period of hospitalization and significantly compromising their quality of life and functionality. In parallel, the family members of these patients often face an intense emotional burden, a condition recognized as Post-Intensive Care Syndrome–Family (PICS-F). This article, through a literature review, aims to discuss the main aspects of PICS, with emphasis on the cognitive, emotional, and psychological domains, as well as PICS-F, particularly concerning the emotional repercussions experienced by family members. Furthermore, prevention and intervention strategies carried out by hospital psychologists working in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are presented, with the purpose of minimizing the effects of these syndromes in clinical practice and contributing to the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients, as well as to the effective psychological support of their families.

Keywords : Intensive care units; Hospital psychology; Family health; Mental health.

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