ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Determinants of intensive care unit (ICU) memories and the impact on the development and trajectory of post-traumatic stress symptoms: a multicenter longitudinal cohort study
Authors' conclusion
Female sex and prolonged deep sedation were associated with complete ICU amnesia, whereas a longer ICU stay and delirium were associated with delusional memories, although these memories were also common in those without delirium. Delusional memories were independently linked to the development and persistence of PTSD symptoms.
Study context
- Population
- Adult ICU patients from two Dutch university ICUs250 assessed at both time points
- Participants
- 426 patients
- Exposure
- Delusional memories or complete ICU amnesia vs factual memories
- Factual memoriesn = 203reference
- Complete ICU amnesian = 59
- Delusional memoriesn = 164
- Outcome
- Determinants of ICU memory formation (ICU-Memory Tool (ICU-MT)) and relationship of ICU memories with PTSD symptoms (Impact of Event Scale (IES-6))
- Follow-up
- 3 and 12 months post-ICU
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Determinants of ICU memory type (multinomial logistic regression) · 3 months post-ICU
Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI)
Female sex (ICU amnesia)
1.99(1.04–3.81)
Days with deep sedation (ICU amnesia)
1.34(1.09–1.65)
Delirium (delusional memories)
1.94(1.04–3.61)
Length of ICU stay (delusional memories)
1.11(1.02–1.21)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | Adjusted %-difference in mean IES score (%) (95% CI) |
|---|---|
| Mean IES score (linear mixed-effects model) · 3 months post-ICUDelusional memories vs Factual memories | 12.9 (2.6–24.1%) |
| Mean IES score (linear mixed-effects model) · 12 months post-ICUDelusional memories vs Factual memories | 18.1 (5.2–32.5%) |
- Delirium among patients with delusional memories
- 41% · 68 of 164
Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, 3 to 12 months · 3 and 12 months post-ICU
- All patients assessed at both time points (n = 250): 4.5 to 10.0%
- P < 0.01
- Delusional memories: 6.7 to 18.1%
- P < 0.01
Original publication
Determinants of ICU memories and the impact on the development and trajectory of post-traumatic stress symptoms: a multicenter longitudinal cohort study. Intensive Care Med. Published 6 October 2025. doi:10.
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