Helping Loved Ones in ICU Psychosis

There exists many forms of mental illness. Most the well-known ones are because they directly affect outside society and can be observed from time to time in everyday situations or talked about through regular conversation. One the most pervasive forms of mental illness is generally not know to the masses simply because it occurs only to patients already in the hospital. Generally referred to as ICU Psychosis, this illness affects one in every three patients who are in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital for longer than days as explained by www.medicinenet.com .

While the term ICU psychosis yet prevails, it is slowly being replaced by the term ICU delirium. The symptoms of this disorder are wide and ranging, but include one or more of the following: extreme excitement, anxiety, restlessness, auditory and visual hallucinations, clouding of consciousness, nightmares, paranoia, disorientation, agitation, delusions, and abnormal behavior.

The causes of ICU psychosis are said to be numerous and a combination of many factors, including environment, fear, and medications. Specifically, environmental factors can be labeled as: sensory deprivation, sleep deprivation, loss of regular light cycles, stress, lack of chronological orientation. Medical causes include: pain, drug reactions, infection, fever, metabolic disturbance, and dehydration.

Hospitals have now begun to implement several changes in the ICU to bring the incidents of delirium. These include regulating lights into cycles, and decreasing the changes of nurses caring for a single patient. However, the most important factor in preventing this illness is the allowing of family members to visit with their loved ones. When visiting your loved one who may be in intensive care, there are several things you can do to help prevent onset of ICU psychosis.

1. Make sure they have a quiet, restful environment. Do not disturb them.

2. Never wake your loved one.

3. Always speak calmly and clearly.

4. Stay positive and smile.

5. Explain what is happening. Assure them it is temporary.

6. Don't make them have to talk. It can be too big a strain. It is suggested by Maureen Welker, MSN and William C. Shiel Jr., MD that a board with common answers be provided that the patient can point on.

7. If you have a difficult time speaking calmly and clearly, use hand gestures.

8. Hold their hand; use gentle touch.

9. Provide date and time orientation as well as environmental surroundings. Let them know where they are and when.

10. Do not get upset! If you feel you cannot handle the situation, then leave the room. If you need support, call for the chaplain or a social worker for help.

By using these simple tips, you can make a world of difference in the experience of your loved one who may be in intensive care. You will help provide them with comfort and stability which are important factors in preventing ICU psychosis and delirium. Be assured that the doctors are doing everything they can to help them recover. If you think that something could be improved, simply ask politely and ask for a reason for anything that may seem disturbing.