Intensive care unit syndrome - A dangerous misnomer

The terms intensive cave unit (ICU) syndrome and ICU psychosis have been us ed interchangeably to describe a cluster of psychiatric symptoms that are u nique to the ICU environment. It is often postulated that aspects of the IC U, such as sleep deprivation and sensory overload or monotony, are causes o f the syndrome. This article reviews the empirical support for these propos itions. We conclude that ICU syndrome does nor differ from delirium and tha t ICU syndrome is caused exclusively by organic stressors on the central ne rvous system. We argue further that the term ICU syndrome is dangerous beca use it impedes standardized communication and research and may reduce the v igilance necessary to promptly investigate and reverse the medical cause of the delirium. Directions for future research are suggested.