Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in severe COVID-19 patients discharged from intensive care: the influence of near-death experiences.

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hospitalizations confront individuals with imminent death and may cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In contrast, traumatic events may lead to positive psychological outcomes such as post-traumatic growth. As consciousness is altered, near-death experiences (NDEs) may occur and be associated with post-traumatic growth. Our cross-sectional, monocentric study aims to determine the factors associated with post-traumatic growth in severe, ICU-discharged COVID-19 patients, including the influence of NDEs and memory characteristics. We recruited participants three months after their ICU hospitalization. Patients benefitted from a multidisciplinary medical assessment, including a clinical interview with a psychiatrist. Self-administered questionnaires evaluated PTSD symptoms, post-traumatic growth, and NDEs. Fifty-nine patients were included in the study. Mean post-traumatic growth levels were relatively high, while the occurrence of PTSD was low (3.4%). An NDE was identified among 20.3% of participants. Post-traumatic growth was relevantly associated with the presence of an NDE, intense and intrusive memories and higher PTSD symptoms levels. Patients discharged from ICU after severe COVID-19 report high levels of post-traumatic growth, which may be associated to the occurrence of a near-death experience and higher distress. Better identification and psychological support about NDEs could improve post-ICU psychological recovery and well-being.