[Psychosomatic medicine in intensive care units (author's transl)].

Abstract

Psychosomatic medicine in intensive care units is essentially characterized by problems arising from the emotional involvement of the intensive care unit team. That is why the functions of a psychosomaticist are not only the diagnostics of psychosyndromes and the psychotherapy of dangerously ill patients, but especially the study of psychological interrelations within the unit team. Hypochondriac depressive psychosyndromes caused by the experience of dread, confusion, exhaustion and communication problems, as well as psychosyndromes characterized by a reduction of consciousness and orientation are discussed. Anaclitic psychotherapy, i.e. supporting and encouraging care, and emergency psychotherapy actually required in precarious situations, are described. The specific interrelations within and between the individual groups of the intensive care unit team (physicians, female and male nurses), which are important to the working conditions in the unit, and the possibilities of their psychological activation (e. g. in Balint groups) are outlined. The status and responsibility of a psychosomaticist within the unit team is critically reflected. Finally, the permanent confrontation of the team with death and dying is emphasized, and the psychological aspect of discontinuing intensive care is discussed.