Problems related to Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) can present in a variety of ways and can last for months and even years. In the physical domain, people with PICS may have impairments in pulmonary function, muscle strength, exercise capacity, balance, walking, and pain.
Cognitively, people may have difficulty with attention, memory, and executive function. Some individuals may experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Some areas may be mildly impaired while others more severely, yet they each can impact a person’s ability to complete their activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and their ability to return to work, recreational activities, driving, and other life roles they had prior to their critical illness.
Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to manage the physical problems associated with PICS and are also able to screen for cognitive and mental health conditions and facilitate referrals to the appropriate health care professionals. (Source- American Physical Therapy Association)
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