Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in severe COVID-19 patients discharged from intensive care: the influence of near-death experiences.
Scientific reports June 5, 2026 Amaury C Mengin, Julie Rolling, Walid Oulehri et al.
Among 59 patients discharged from intensive care after severe COVID-19, levels of post-traumatic growth were relatively high three months later, while only 3.4% met criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. A near-death experience occurred in 20.3% of participants. Post-traumatic growth was associated with the presence of a near-death experience, intense and intrusive memories, and higher PTSD symptom levels. The findings suggest that near-death experiences and higher distress may contribute to post-traumatic growth after ICU hospitalization.