The aim of our work was to specify in detail mental trauma experienced by the critically ill patients during the treatment in intensive care unit. Physical deprivation, fear of death and pharmacological sedation in patients who survive intensive care lead to biopsychosocial process which has all the attributes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We analyzed the group of 26 patients who had returned from the intensive care unit to everyday life. For the diagnosis of PTSD we used standard patient exploration guided by the psychologist, STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and MHQ (Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire) questionnaires, and drawing projection techniques. Manifestation of acute posttraumatic stress disorder was evidently the most intensive in the period of decreasing dose of analgosedation drugs. The traumatic emotional experiences and emotional memory can be visible for the whole future life of patients. The consequences of the primary disease are complicated by PTSD which decrease their quality of life. These patients need psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment.

        Key words: posttraumatic stress disorder – analgosedation – emotional experience – emotional memory