title: Understanding stress in the ICU setting.
abstract: This article discusses the physiological effects of stress on patients, relatives and staff in the intensive care unit (ICU). It examines the short- and long-term effects of cortisol on various systems in the body. The information contained in this article encompasses the recognition and understanding of the general adaptation syndrome as described by Seyle (1975). Many nurses working in ICU may identify with the symptoms and subsequent physiological and psychological responses to stress and thus enable informed discussion when planning the care of their patients or support of the relatives, colleagues and themselves.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharp
mesh_terms: D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone